Leader|feb 7|2007

‘Follow the Leader’

INTER-COUNTY February 7, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 24 8,000 copies

Since 1933

Inside

50 years as an emergency fire warden Currents Feature

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Online school opens its virtual doors

© 2006 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association

SECTION A

1

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Frigid February

School, associated with University of Phoenix, will be based in Grantsburg Page 11

OTHER HEADLINES • Grantsburg’s golf course may continue Page 2 ••• • Judge hands down maximum sentence in Ludden case Page 3 •••

• 80 students out on one day for illness at Siren Page 3 •••

• Co-op program in baseball, softball for Siren and Webster Page 4 & 25 •••

A wedding moment, frozen in time Back page

• Friends group getting started to protect the Barrens Page 3 •••

• Your tax dollars at work series to begin Page 5

An icicle reflects some of the waning afternoon light on a cold February day. Temperatures dipped to 20 to 30 below zero this past week in Northwest Wisconsin. - Photo by Gary King

History mystery Local historian seeks help in piecing together clues to what might have been Frederic’s first business venture

Northern Cup champs again!

SPORTS Page 17

by Gary King FREDERIC - History can often create mystery.

Ask Ken Java, president of the Frederic Area Historical Society, who has become a detective of sorts these days, trying to piece together clues pointing to the original lumber camp which started the Frederic community – and a curious phenomenom related to many old lumber-mill sites throughout the region.

About a month ago, local farmer Dennis O’Donnell called Leona

See History, page 4

Ken Java and Dennis O’Donnell look at a map of the Frederic area from the late-1800s, prior to the establishment of the village of Frederic. – Photo

by Gary King

Serving Burnett & Polk counties • Since 1933

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Pheasant on ice

This pheasant north of St. Croix Falls had little choice but to brave the cold weather along a windrow on Super Bowl Sunday. Wind chills in the area dipped near minus 30, and the pheasant wasn’t too quick to move away from the camera. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Grantsburg golf course may continue

Future depends on lease, fundraising

by Gregg Westigard GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg golf course will remain open if two conditions are met. First, a lease for the operation of the course must be settled

by April 1. Second, $50,000 in community funds for course improvements must be raised within six months. The Grantsburg Village Council agreed to this plan, by a four to three vote, at the end of a special council meeting Monday night, Feb. 5. Voting for the motion were village president Mark Dahlberg and council members David

Fire destroys barn The latest chapter in the Grantsburg golf course story drew 25 people to a special board meeting Monday night. The village board, by a 4 to 3 vote, decided to keep the course open if an operating lease can be arranged and funds raised for improvements. – Photo by Gregg Westigard Walters, Dean Tyberg and Tim Tessman.

Opposed to the action were James O. Nelson, Tim Swenson and Roger Panek.

The special meeting was called in response to several new developments in the ongoing debate over the future of the village owned nine-hole golf course.

The village had just received a report it had commissioned on the best use of the course. The Farmers Independent Telephone Company had offered a grant for course renovation. A person had come forward with an offer to lease and operate the course. And new figures were presented on the finances of the course.

Frederic firefighters responded to a fire Saturday morning near Lewis which destroyed a barn and lean-to on the Ted Pax property just a quarter of a mile east of Lewis on CTH E. Frederic Fire Chief Brian Daeffler said the structure was fully engulfed when his department was paged at approximately 9:20 a.m. Luck Fire Department was called for mutual aid.

Temperatures that morning were from 20 to 30 below zero in the area, making for challenging fire fighting conditions, Daeffler noted. - Special photo INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin A cooperative-owned newspaper, the Inter-County Leader is published every Wednesday by the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Second Class postage paid at Frederic, WI 54837.

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Manager Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net Editor Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net Staff writers/contributors Matt Blumkin mblumkin@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Jeanne Daniels the-leader@centurytel.net Mary Stirrat mstirrat@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Julie Holmquist the-leader@centurytel.net Editorial assistant Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net Composition Raelynn Hunter Jackie Thorwick

The developments The report on the best use of the golf course property was prepared by Dennis Geist, a real estate appraisal consultant who had been contracted by the village to do an analysis. Geist said the “Highest and Best Use” for the land was a mix of residential and commercial development. He said that continuation of the property as a golf course did not meet the standards of best use or bene-

The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent.

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OFFICES Frederic

P.O. Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

715-327-4236 Fax - 715-327-4117 (news copy) Fax - 715-327-4870 (ad copy)

Siren

24154 State Road 35, Siren, WI 54872 (M-W, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

715-349-2560 Fax - 715-349-7442

St. Croix Falls

Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (M-W, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

715-483-9008 • Fax - 715-483-1420

ficial use for the land. He stated the opinion that the property has a market value of $180,000 if the land was sold for residences and commercial use.

The telephone company offered a two-for-one grant of $25,000 under which the village would raise $50,000 from the community. Those funds could not include the contribution the Burnett Medical Center has offered as part of a land exchange. The funds must be used for renovations, not operating losses, and the village must agree to run the course for three years after the course has been renovated. The council motion to raise $50,000 was a response to the grant, but no motion was made to accept the grant.

The lease offer was made by Joe Schmidt and his family. Schmidt is a Minnesota resident with a background in golf course management, most recently as superintendent of the North Branch municipal course. Schmidt, together with his brothers-in-law Dan Bialon and Paul Shanda, would be prepared to lease and operate the Grantsburg course this season if lease terms can be agreed to.

Lastly, a review of golf course operations reports an operating loss of $44,133 for 2006, a continuation of a series of increasing losses starting with a negative $5,471 in 2001, the first year the golf course went in the hole. Over that period of time revenues dropped from $118,581 in 2001 to $90,129 in 2006.

Expenses for that period increased from $124,052 in 2001 to $134,262 in 2006.

Golf course total memberships for 2006 were 119, half the 238 members in 2000.

The costs Fourteen residents were present for a long discussion with the board. While topics ranged from stopping the taxpayer expense, to details of the lease, much of the talk was about the expense of golf course changes. Part of that cost would be for installing a new green and tee this year to replace parts of the course that will be lost when BMC builds an entry

See Golf course, page 5

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Briefly...

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - The recent cold snap, with tempertures dipping into the minus 20- to 30degree range, is the first of its kind in a few years. Many local schools closed their doors last Friday due to the dangerous nature of such weather. Excel Energy has issued an appeal to their customers to reduce their usage of electricity when the cold weather took a toll on its capacity to provide it.

••• TURTLE LAKE - Turtle Lake High School graduate Sara Outcalt has the opportunity to meet Deanna Favre, wife of Packer quarterback Brett Favre, during her trip with other members of Stout Leadership and Involvement Organization to Mississippi in January.

The group was there to help with the Hurricane Katrina cleanup, according to the Turtle Lake Times. Mrs. Favre showed up at the site to thank the students, and then called her husband and put him on speaker phone so he could also thank the group for all their hard work.

Friends group getting started to protect the Barrens

by Regan Kohler HERTEL — A new group is starting up, with potential members from across counties coming together, to protect the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area.

Thursday, Feb. 1, Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist and property manager Nancy Christel organized a meeting at the St. Croix Tribal Center, Hertel, for people interested in helping protect the wildlife area located in both the northeast corner of Burnett County and partially in Washburn County, 12 miles from Minong and near Webb Lake. Christel said she wanted to get people with common interests together to protect this area, which is rich for bird-dog training, wildlife observation and hiking. In a recent newspaper announcement, Christel had said that “changing land use, the threat of invasive species, decreased funding and lack of public awareness” are problems the Barrens is facing. This land has been leased by Burnett County to the DNR since 1957, and will expire in 2017, so Christel said that decisions will have to be made regarding this environment. The Burnett County administrator gave her the go-ahead, she added.

Christel told the audience Thursday night that she invited many people of lists of outdoor organizations, but that she extended the invitation to anyone interested.

There was a large turnout to the meeting, in addition to a list of people whom Christel said had called because they couldn’t make it yet were interested in being a part of the group.

Christel then brought up forming a Friends group, which is very popular for Wisconsin’s State Park System’s preservation. She invited two people who worked with Friends groups in other counties, to give an outline of what these groups do to preserve their wildlife habitats. However, Christel said, the Barrens group doesn’t have to be a direct model, as members may have their own ideas.

“This Friends group is really whatever you decide,” Christel said to the audience.

The first speaker was Sandy

See Group forms, page 4

Judge hands down maximum sentence “Society needs to be protected and will be” he says

by Sherill Summer BURNETT COUNTY - Mitch Ludden, 43, Webster, will spend the next 25 years at Waupun prison facilities after receiving the maximum sentence allowed last Friday, Feb. 2, for repeated seconddegree sexual assault of the same child.

The charges stemmed from Ludden’s inappropriate acts with a 14-year-old male between Thanksgiving 2005 and March of 2006.

Judge Eugene Harrington issued a total sentence of 25 years of prison followed by 15 years of extended supervision at a sentence hearing held at the Burnett County courthouse after Ludden pleaded no contest to the charge last September.

Ludden also received three consecutive nine-month sentences in the county jail to be served consecutive to the above sentence for three misdemeanor charges stemming from earlier inappropriate acts Ludden had with another juvenile. Ludden pleaded no contest to the earlier charges in October 2003 In 2003, Judge Harrington placed Ludden on probation for two counts of battery and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault. The sentences in these charges were withheld, meaning that if Ludden satisfied all the conditions of probation, a harsher sentence would not be imposed. Because Ludden was charged with the same serious crime while he was on probation for the 2003 incident, his probation was revoked, and the harsher sentence was imposed.

Also in 2003, the court decided to defer-prosecution of a more serious charge of repeated sexual assault of the same child, a felony B. Because the 2003 felony B charge was in a deferred pros-

Mitch Ludden listens to Judge Eugene Harrington as the judge imposes sentence on him. - Photo by Sherill Summer ecution status, District Attorney Ken Kutz could have renewed the charge against Ludden, but he chose not to because one of the victims said they had put the incidents in the past and was reluctant to enter court proceedings again. Judge Harrington reluctantly accepted that the 2003 felony charge would not be renewed, stating that he had come to court prepared to sentence him so that he would not breath air as a free man again.

Statements Before sentencing, statements were read from the victim and the victim’s family describing the anguish caused by Ludden’s inappropriate acts. Then the defense lawyer, John Grindell, read statements and brought forth witnesses attempting to portray Ludden as a kind, civic-minded man who served on the Webster Fire Department, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, helped the elderly and attended church, but needed treatment for a sickness.

Father Michael Tupa testified that Ludden alleged that he himself was abused by a Catholic priest as an adolescent, and at one point Ludden turned to the victim’s aisle and apolo-

State Patrol makes concealed weapons arrest POLK COUNTY - The arrest of someone allegedly carrying a concealed weapon in Polk County was made Feb. 1 by the Wisconsin State Patrol.

According to Lt. Nick Wanink of the State Patrol, an arrest was made at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 after a trooper stopped a vehicle somewhere in Polk County.

At press time, the arresting officer had not yet completed his report, so the exact location was not available.

Wanink confirmed that the person arrested was not a law enforcement officer, but did say that the license plate on the vehicle involved had a special insignia used by fire department personnel. - Julie Holmquist

gized for his deviant behavior. He further said that he hoped he could get the help he needed so that he could be a decent person.

The prosecuting district attorney and the defense lawyer presented Judge Harrington with the joint recommendation of a 15-year prison sentence followed by 15 years’ extended supervision and two consecutive nine-month sentences for the two battery charges from 2003, stressing that Ludden would receive the extensive sex-offender treatment that he needed.

Judge Harrington ignored the joint recommendation, pointing out that Ludden was receiving sex-offender treatment as an outpatient when he committed the new inappropriate acts.

The judge also raised the possibility that sex-offender treatment had made Ludden a more effective predator. The judge also mentioned that Ludden had assumed positions of trust in the community, and it was while in these positions of trust that Ludden committed these acts.

Ludden, who is 43 now, will be 71 when he is released from jail. He will be 83 when he completes extended supervision. If he does not comply with all conditions of probation, he may remain in jail until he is 83.

Follow the Leader 80 students out for illness SIREN – A total of 80 students were absent from Siren Elementary School last Friday, mostly due to the flu that has hit the lower grades hard.

That’s approximately a third of the K-6 student body, which numbers 244. More than 60 students were absent Monday through Thursday of last week, according to elementary school secretary JoAnn Treichel.

Reasons given for absences included flu symptoms, high fever and stomach aches.

Siren, as well as most other area schools, did not have school Monday due to extreme cold temperatures. Tuesday the number of elementary students missing school dropped to 28. – Gary King

Survey work

Dan Hawkins of Ayres and Associates faced the cold Monday to do survey work in St. Croix Falls. Hawkins said he and his co-worker saved the outside work for the “warmest” part of the day. Photo by Julie Holmquist

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Co-op program in baseball, softball for Siren and Webster

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – A special meeting of the Siren School Board was held at 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 2, to take action on: approval of Kristi Garibaldi’s proposal to add one English class to her schedule, approval of a cooperative sports proposal with Webster for both baseball and softball, approval of a $4,600 addition to the CESA Shared Services Agreement and approval of the change in time for graduation from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Public comments were included at the beginning of the meeting. Beth Greiff asked about the outcome of the previous week’s SAGE meeting. She was told that 30 people (staff, parents and two board members) attended the meet-

ing. The group looked at this year’s SAGE numbers and, according to district Administrator Scott Johnson, it looks like 11 rather than 12 SAGE classes will be needed.

At this time, the amount of SAGE funding for the 2007-2008 school year is not known. Johnson said the program will cost more than the revenue that comes in, but it should be fairly close to the break-even point.

The board’s budget and finance committee will review the numbers and come in with a staffing recommendation for the full board to act on. “We hope to post the numbers needed by the end of the school year,” Johnson commented. Another meeting will be held, probably in a month or two, when fund-

ing information is available.

Wendy Kosloski questioned the time of the special meeting, and was told that the timing was urgent because of the need for making the decisions on the additional English class and the cooperative sports agreement.

The current high school schedule is short one course in English, keeping some graduating students from getting the credits they need to graduate.

Garibaldi has a fourth-hour preparation class that she could use to teach this class. With the board’s approval, this arrangement started at the beginning of the week of Feb. 5. Garibaldi’s contract will now be one-half credit short of full time.

The Siren School Board needed to cast

its vote on the co-op sports agreement with Webster prior to its consideration by the Webster School Board at their Feb. 19 meeting. The final go-ahead decision needs to be in to the conference

by March 1. With the Siren board’s approval, the decision to co-op on spring baseball and softball, beginning in the spring of 2008, moves forward.

Along with changing the time for graduation, the board talked about a request from the senior class that the graduation ceremony be held outside, on the football field, this year. The decision to be made at the special meeting was the time change, for publicity reasons. The decision on outdoor or indoor graduation will be made at a later date.

History mystery/from page 1 Cummings, a local historian, to say he thought he had located an abandoned lumber mill on his family’s property about a mile and a half southeast of the village.

Cummings put O’Donnell in touch with Java, and the two men walked the site.

“The thing that struck me is when you walk out through the woods at the site it’s like stepping back in time – all the signs of what was once there 100 years ago are still there…and it amazes me,” Java noted.

There’s a raised outline of the foundation of a 32- by 108-foot building that would have housed the bunks for the lumberjacks, a dining hall, a kitchen, a place for a blacksmith and, according to Java, a place for the saw filer who was a very important person to lumberjacks in those days.

“If their saws weren’t sharp, productivity went down real fast,” he noted.

Also at the site is a clearing approximately 200 by 400 feet where, Java notes, nothing has grown for more than a century.

“It was likely an open horse and oxen corral, I assume,” Java said. “But I wondered how it could be this space could remain open for 100 years. In this part of the country you don’t dare turn your back or you have prickly ash growing.”

Java started asking questions of persons with forestry degrees and other historians.

Clayton Jorgensen of Grantsburg, who Java says is a walking treasure trove of local historical facts, said he knew of a dozen other logging sites – some as old as 150 years – with the same phenomena – a clearing where nothing has grown.

One historian, an author of books on old logging camps, mentioned the soil at these sites may have become barren due to the ammonia in the horse urine.

Java had the soil tested and it wasn’t long before an agronomist dispelled the urine theory, saying the ammonia would have turned to gas and dissipat-

Coon Lake

Coon Lake in its logging heyday at the turn of the last century. – Special photo

The Frederic area as mapped in the late 1800s. ed within a few days.

More referrals led Java to another agriculture expert who in turn referred him to a soil expert in Pennsylvania.

“He got excited,” Java said, “and said he’d start e-mailing other people he knew in the field to see if he could get an answer. I haven’t heard back from him yet.”

There is no sign of any plant life or root residue at the site and Java likened it to a sterile beach.

Java is hoping there is someone out

Nothing has grown for 100 years or more at this 200- by 400-foot clearing at the site of what appears to be an old lumber camp near Frederic. – Special photo

there who can help him solve that part of the puzzle.

As for the lumber camp, Java said it makes sense that the mill was hauling logs to a sawmill on Coon Lake, maybe a few years – or even several years – before Frederic was incorporated as a village in late 1901. The camp would have used what is referred to nowadays as old CTH W to transport the lumber.

Lumber baron William J. Starr bought up much of the land in northern Polk County and when the railroad line

made it as far north as Coon Lake, lots were sold and houses sprouted up.

Railroad tracks were eventually established right down to the lake where lumber was loaded into the cars and hauled to the Twin Cities.

The site on the O’Donnell property may have been the first enterprise in the immediate Frederic area operated by non-Native Americans.

“If somebody had a letter that referred to that lumber camp somewhere along the line, that would help,” Java said.

And if anyone can explain the open, barren spaces of land associated with old lumber mills, their theory would be welcome by Java, who can be reached at 715-327-8445.

“Nobody seems to have an answer at this point,” he said. “I’m hoping somebody has the answer.”

CUTLINE Ken Java and Dennis O’Donnell look at a map of the Frederic area from the late-1800s, prior to the establishment of the village of Frederic. – Photo by Gary King The Frederic area in the 1800s.

Photos of the abandoned lumber camp site on the O’Donnell property show the outline of a building that would have been used for bunks, a dining hall, kitchen, blacksmith and saw sharpener. – Special photo

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Residents invited to discuss county’s future

First public meeting Feb. 12 in Luck

POLK COUNTY — If you have ever wondered where the future of Polk County is headed, you are invited to

attend upcoming public meetings regarding the county’s upcoming strategic plan.

The first of three meetings will be held Monday, Feb. 12, at the Luck Municipal Building from 7 to 9 p.m. Other meetings will be held Thursday, Feb. 22, at Osceola Intermediate School, and Monday, Feb. 26, in the Amery Middle

School Library.

Facilitated by U.W. Extension and the Polk County strategic planning committee, the meetings will focus on four areas — where we have been, where we are now, where we want to go and how we will get there.

“This is open to anyone,” said Keith Rediske, Polk County supervisor and

chair of the planning committee. “You don’t have to be a resident of Polk County, just have an interest in Polk County.

“It’s really just a chance to articulate what you believe is important about this county and where you think it should be headed in the future.” — Mary Stirrat

Your tax dollars at work A look at local government Frederic and beyond

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – “We need to educate the people so they can make the best decisions,” Frederic Village Administrator David Wondra said. “They need to know how government works.”

People drive on plowed roads. They

use the library. They rely on police and fire protection. They send their kids to school.

People pay taxes but don’t always connect those taxes; property, sales, income; to the services they use every day, the services these taxes pay for.

The Leader is starting an ongoing series of articles looking at our governments, what they do and who makes the decisions. We will look at our towns, villages, and cities, at our schools and counties, and at the fire,

ambulance and TIF districts.

Frederic Village will be looked at in detail. We will look at where the village property taxes go and how Frederic expenses and services compare with other villages. We will look at the village utilities and TIF districts. We will compare the lasted financial reports with the 2001 audit and see what has changed. We will look at the 2002 comprehensive plan and see how it has been followed.

Our look at Frederic should give

guidelines that people can use to look at other areas and other levels of government. We hope to educate the readers about how government is working and what they are getting for their dollars.

We hope we can help educate the public with this series and provide information you can use as a taxpayer, voter and resident in our area.

identical to the barrens, added Christel.

“This is a great example,” she said.

Peterson said the group, which formed around 2003, saw problems from unattended property, recreational vehicle threats, the habitat’s location in the utility corridor and lack of signage.

The good part, he said, was that there were local concerned citizens who offered support to take action. To create the group, Peterson said they looked at models like the Crex Meadows group and the Hunt Hill Audobon Sanctuary, Long Lake, as well as the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

“They really helped us start up,” Peterson said of the state group.

Peterson said the state group gives them templates on how to start a Friends group, as there are certain state requirements listed in a handbook on how to get them going. Any group must partner with the DNR, create bylaws and be able to acquire property and write grants for loans.

“They have in mind what they want you to become,” Peterson said.

The Douglas County habitat has a tripartnership agreement with the DNR, the county and the FOTBS. “Douglas County recognizes us as the people that are focused on the property,” Peterson said of FOTBS. The group’s strategy is to get public

support through appreciation, understanding and awareness of the area.

They have on-site program events, many specific for animal lovers, and there are 100 memberships. The cost of funding the habitat is $3,000 a year, Peterson said, funded through the memberships and donations.

“Something like this is doable if you want to do it,” he said.

Christel had the handbook available for the audience to look at. She asked then if the audience was willing to form a starter group, to recruit more members and get the project on its feet.

Peterson added that the DNR has to be at “arms length,” so Christel wouldn’t be responsible for running the group.

“You need to have some civilian nucleus,” he said.

He added that his county ended up having two public information meetings to get a steering committee going, and ran an ad in the newspaper.

A steering committee was created Thursday night by five people, and they will meet Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the DNR’s headquarters in Spooner, located off Hwy. 70 west. Anybody else interested who couldn’t make the last meeting can attend, said Christel, and they will try to have an agenda.

closed for a year.

“Why don’t we listen to the expert?”

Mike Downing asked. “The village went to an expert and he recommended selling the property. Why override the recommendation of the person we hired?”

Earl Mosley said that 16 percent of his village taxes went to covering the golf course loss this year. He said that he doesn’t play golf and is upset at having to pay for the loss.

“My first thought was why do anything to save the course,” councilmember Nelson said. “We have spent money and got nowhere. We should bite the bullet and sell the property.”

Craig Selander, a member of the ad hoc committee, said that the course is a community asset, and it’s loss will change the character of Grantsburg.

“We have done nothing over the years,” Dave Walters said. “We had years to build the course. We kept the status quo.”

Village treasurer Sheila Meyer said that if the course was leased to Schmidt, Curtis Anderson, the golf course superintendent, would switch to full time on

the village public works crew and seasonal summer help would not be hired.

Anderson has worked on the course for 34 years.

Group forms/from page 3 Schmidt, who created the Friends of Crex Meadows, Grantsburg, 15 years ago. Schmidt said she was motivated because, for 15 years prior to the group, she had been visiting Crex and lived close to it. Schmidt gave a brief history of the habitat, which is home to wildlife like prairie chickens, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes and many duck species.

Students come from all over to visit the education center, and there are trails to cross-country ski or snowshoe. But Schmidt was saddened by the lack of care shown through litter throughout the habitat.

“I can’t tell you about the garbage you would see along the roads and shorelines,” Schmidt said. “That’s how we got started. You never know how you’re going to get your volunteers.”

Schmidt began volunteering to do trash pickup in Crex, which she loved.

Then, she helped get a group together to work with her and things took off, she said.

The FOC help with the maintenance of education programs and wildlife management, Schmidt said, and the volunteers have a wide variety of skills.

There are over 500 memberships to FOC, with around 50 active volunteers.

Schmidt said memberships are $12 a year or a $300 lifetime, of which all the money goes toward the habitat’s

upkeep. Other sources come from hunting licenses, an endowment fund by anonymous donations and a portion of the DNR budget designated toward Crex.

A big event is the spring cleanup, Schmidt said, where they do wildlife surveys and trash pickup, as well as food.

“It’s actually more fun than it is work,” Schmidt said.

The group establishes shifts and staff for certain areas, with appreciation brunches for celebration times, and the FOC writes articles now, she said. They have a board with two-year memberships, too.

“I just want you to know how important...the Friends groups are,” Schmidt said.

The next speaker was Scott Peterson, Gordon, who works with the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area.

Peterson’s group is called the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary, which is located between Gordon and Solon Springs.

Peterson said this area is 4,000 acres that the DNR and the county own, and many field trial groups use the habitat.

Peterson said this used to be part of a statewide ecosystem, and there is an abundance of sharp-tailed grouse and plants and wildlife that can only subsist in such an environment. It is almost

Golf course/from page 2 road to Hwy. 70 that will cross the golf course on land owned by the medical center. The other changes would be major renovations including a new irrigation system.

The cost of the immediate changes will probably be covered by an offer to the village from the medical center.

BMC wants to buy two small triangles of land, a total of 1.3 acres, from the village. The parcels, just south of the clinic, will even out their property lines and provide space needed for the medical center expansion. BMC offered to pay the village $60,000 for the transfer of land and the abandonment of Parkview Drive, the short street between the hospital and the clinic. The money is to be used for golf course changes made necessary by the hospital expansion.

Both Dave Walters and Joe Schmidt said that the $60,000 should be enough money to pay for a new green for hole 3 and a new tee for hole 9, the two holes that will be affected by the new BMC driveway. The present holes 3 and 9 will be out of use this season once construction starts.

The costs of other improvements, which might be paid in part by the phone company matching grant of $75,000, are not definite. Last July the Golf Course Ad Hoc Committee came up with a redesign and modification list with an estimated cost of $210,000. That includes $150,000 for an irrigation system. Part of that estimate includes the work on holes 3 and 9 that would be covered by the BMC money. The committee also estimated a cost of $6,500 for clubhouse repairs.

The discussion All of this generated a very open discussion.

Dale Dressel, a former board member and council candidate in the April election, said it would not be healthy to operate the course during the coming season while construction was under way. He warned that liability issues would be a problem as golfers cross through an area where the new road is being built.

Schmidt noted that it might be hard to restart the course in 2008 after it was

Next Schmidt and his partners will continue to work out details of a lease agreement. They said that they want to settle the issues soon if they are to run the course this year.

The council will start to reach out to the business community and residents to start generating the $50,000 needed for the matching grant. Panek said that people are aware of the issue and will donate money now if they are interested in keeping the course open.

The council talked about getting bids for the work on holes 3 and 9 that would be done this year.

The Grantsburg board holds its regular meeting next Monday evening.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Planning road projects with limited funds

Highway sets goals for year

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Polk County has 330 miles of county highways and once had a 10-year plan to rebuild 30 miles of road a year. Keeping the roads in good shape would slow their deterioration and delay the date when a stretch of highway would require a major reconstruction. But funding for road maintenance has been decreased as county levy money has become limited, and the quality of the county road system, as measured by a standard state rating measure called PASER, is in decline.

The Polk County Highway Committee had a first look at the preliminary construction budget for 2007 during its meeting Thursday, Feb. 1.

With the exception of two projects which are already contracted, the com-

mittee will be faced with the choice of which short sections of highway will receive minimum maintenance.

Commissioner Steve Highway Warndahl presented a list of road options, stretches that most need work based on present condition and traffic count.

Warndahl also presented two methods of improving the roads, both of which have been called short-term repairs. A major rebuilding on a stretch of road, which includes three inches of new pavement, costs $189,666 per mile.

The county is considering options that cost a fraction of that cost, ultra-thin overlays at a cost of $55,922 per mile and chip sealing at a cost of $14,461 per mile.

The chip sealing would be done on CTH K between CTH M and Hwy. 65, a stretch of 3.8 miles, at an estimated cost of $55,000. Another 10 miles of chip sealing has not been determined. An ultra-

thin overlay is also planned for a 5.5 mile portion of CTH G between CTH I and Hwy. 46 at a cost of $305,893. An additional seven miles of CTH I may also receive an ultra-thin overlay if funds are available.

Three miles of CTH A from Clear Lake to CTH P will be pulverized and paved as part of a major rebuilding of A that will be completed in 2008. A project like this, with the old pavement removed and a three inches of new pavement laid, will cost $624,000 with the state picking up part of the expense. The county will also do major work on a short section of CTH F in Dresser before turning the stretch of road within the village limits over to the village.

The preliminary plan that Warndahl gave the committee includes possible work on 31 miles of county roads, with most of the work involving preservation rather than reconstruction. The projects listed for consideration would cost

$2,635,295, a figure that is $617,970 over the 2007 construction budget. The commissioner and committee will now determine how to allocate the county dollars for this summer’s work.

Goals for the commissioner and the department Warndahl presented the committee a list of department goals for 2007.

Number one on the list is working with the property committee and the Parks and Buildings Department to develop a five-year plan to construct a new public works campus/complex for the county.

Another goal is working to develop and implement a county fleet maintenance program. Other goals involve inner department training and competency programs.

A good part of the meeting was spent in a closed session evaluation of Warndahl’s performance during his first year as commissioner.

Balsam Lake makes move to access more business loans

Board votes to consolidate revolving loan with others

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — The Balsam Lake Village Board voted Monday night to transfer its revolving loan fund to a consolidated regional business fund that incorporates a seven-county area.

By approving the transfer, said Polk County Economic Development Director Mike Welch, the village will tremendously increase the ability of local businesses to borrow for improvement and expansion projects.

The increase will be possible, said Welch, because the pool of money available will dramatically increase, and because the consolidation will be done in a way that removes a number of federal restrictions.

Balsam Lake’s revolving loan fund, which initially came from a community development block grant, has about $22,000 available for loans to businesses.

With the consolidation, the village will have access to literally millions, said Welch.

Under the new plan, which will be administered by West Central Regional Planning Commission and should be implemented by late summer, loans will be available at the community level, the county level and the regional level.

A committee comprised of village residents will make loan decisions at the local level, with loans of up to $25,000 at 4-percent interest. Loans of up to $30,000 will be available for façade improvements, and a number of businesses can successfully apply at any one time, said Welch.

Loans at the county level will be available for up to $150,000, compared to the current average loan of $15,000 to $30,000. The makeup of the committee that will be overseeing this loan level has not yet been determined.

At the regional level, a committee that includes one Polk County representative will make decisions on loans of up to $250,000.

Because Balsam Lake already had its own revolving loan fund, said Welch, if it had refused to join in the consolidation it would not have had access to anything beyond its own $22,000.

Village president Guy Williams brought up the fact that Balsam Lake does not belong to the Polk County Economic Development Corporation, which costs $2 per resident per year.

“You should be part of the Polk County Economic Development Corporation,” said Welch, “but you don’t have to be for this. These are two separate things.”

By tapping into the regional loan, he said, Balsam Lake will need the services of the PCEDC as well as West Central Regional Planning, but the village is not

doing anything to pay for these services.

“You guys not coming on board (of the EDC) puts me in a real awkward situation,” he said. “That becomes a dilemma.”

The local businesses suffer if the village isn’t part of the EDC, Welch said, because they are not included in the networking and promotional activities of the group.

After voting to transfer the village’s revolving loan fund to the consolidated fund, the board agreed to postpone action on joining the EDC until next month.

Landscaping project Carl Holmgren, of the community club, presented the club’s plans to bring the flower garden at Hwy. 46 and 4th Avenue back to life.

Initially planted by the community club in 1972 and modified in the early 1990s, the garden has become overgrown and filled with dead plants, said Holmgren.

The community club plans to take out the dying plants and the gravel, then put in mulch and plants to compliment the sign garden across the street. Three big boulders that are part of the garden will remain.

According to Holmgren, the community club is receiving donations to complete the project, and the only expense to the village would be in the form of labor and equipment to take out the old

plants and stones. Volunteers will do the rest of the work, with materials from Pro-Lawn and Kent’s Perennials.

Work will start when frost is out, said Holmgren, and hopefully completed by Memorial Day. The board gave its approval to the proposal.

Other business • Library director Tricia Olson reported that January circulation was 2,450 items, which is 393 more than in December. She also reported that 86 children had participated in five story times, and 45 adults had attended four adult events.

• The board approved high-speed Internet at the sewer plant for the purpose of state reporting. Cost for Internet service will increase from $20 per month to $50, with an $80 hookup fee.

• At the recommendation of the labor committee, Mary Kjseth was hired permanent part time as deputy village clerk/treasurer.

• The board voted to enter into a sixmonth computer maintenance agreement with Bri-Bri the Computer Guy of Milltown, at $200 per month.

• Geno D’Agostino was appointed to the library board, and Don Johnson was appointed as an alternate to the zoning board.

B U R N E T T C O U N T Y H E A D L I N E S

Restorative Justice gift

Sgt. Wayne Johnson (second from left) from the Washington County, Minn., Sheriff’s Department brought a breath tester to the Burnett County Government Center Monday, Feb. 5. The tester is a gift from his department to the county’s Restorative Justice Response, represented by program director Lisa Johnson (L), Judge Mike Gableman and director of administration Brandy Horstman. The RJ staff is required to do a breath test for alcohol consumption when victims check in for the consistently successful responsesponsored victim-impact panels. Restorative Justice had been using a tester that took two minutes to recover after each use, sometimes 30 a night. The new tester needs only a few seconds. “Our department had a few spares.

Once Sheriff Hutton was aware of the need, he was more than happy to help,” Sgt. Johnson said. “We are particularly appreciative to the sheriff of Washington County,” Judge Gableman said, pointing out the cost (between $750 and $1,000) if Restorative Justice had to buy a tester. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

New surveyor hired Jason Towne started work Monday, Feb. 5, as Burnett County’s Surveyor/Land Information Supervisor. Towne, his wife Nora, and their 5-weekold son, Everett, are coming to Burnett County from St. Michael, Minn.

Towne, a native of Rhinelander, has a two-year degree from Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander and a four-year degree in land surveying from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minn. He is looking forward to getting back into a rural area, much like Rhinelander. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

U.W. to train shipbuilders MARINETTE - The University of Wisconsin is starting a new program to train shipbuilding engineers. UWMarinette will be one of only two schools in the country to offer courses in the new computer technology.

UW-Marinette has been chosen by the U.S. Navy to teach the ShipConstructor software. The school’s dean, Paula Langtau, says the school is still developing course materials, but should offer certification classes within the year. She predicts the courses will be popular in northeastern Wisconsin because the region is home to several boat manufacturers.

Langtau notes that there is currently no marine-design education available in

the U.S.; the only program teaching the is in software ShipConstructor Newfoundland. She says shipbuilders have either had to send their people to Canada or hire consultants who have been trained through a Canadian school and they’ve run into difficulties doing that.

Langtau says shipbuilders working on naval combat vessels cannot use Canadians on those projects because the Navy requires people working on warships must be U.S. citizens.

The other school taking part in the Shipbuilding Research Program is the University of Southern Alabama. – Wisconsin Public Radio, Patty Murray

www.the-leader.net

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s question: How long have you lived in Burnett or Polk counties?

1. 1 to 10 years 21 votes (15 percent) 2. 10 to 20 years 28 votes (20 percent) 3. 20 to 40 years 42 votes (39 percent) 4. More than 40 31 votes (22 percent) 5. I’m not from the area 21 votes (15 percent) Total votes: 143 This week’s question: Do you use the Internet regularly?

1. Yes, and I’m over 50 You can take part in our weekly poll 2. No, and I’m over 50 by logging on to www.the-leader.net 3. Yes, and I’m under 50 and scrolling down to the lower left 4. No, and I’m under 50 hand portion of the front page

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK Embracing alternative education

M

onday marked the beginning of a 19-day open enrollment period for parents who want to enroll their children in a school district other than the one they live in for the 2007-08 school year.

Has open enrollment worked?

Probably more so for the families who want to enroll their children in a larger district that has a bit more to offer in the way of curriculum - or a sports program. And it works for those school districts but punishes some of the smaller districts, which like a good portion of school districts across the state, are compared with other schools not unlike consumers choosing a car dealership.

Entering the fray are virtual schools.

One of the most interesting local news items thusfar in 2007 is the hooking up of The Apollo Group, which owns the online University of Phoenix, and the Grantsburg School District. Aimed at students who traditionally drop out of school, the virtual school, which recently acquired Insight Schools of Portland, hopes to provide some kind of community connection - activities and clubs - so its online students can get some of the benefits of a public school experience in terms of social interaction.

That’s one of the concerns of the statewide teachers union - WEAC. It’s director Stan Johnson says online students won’t have a place to get classes like physical education and music and one-on-one time with teachers, not to mention simple peer interaction.

Johnson’s other point - as quoted by Wisconsin Public Radio - carries more weight. He says the state should look at the revenue caps that force districts like Grantsburg to try to bring in students online.

Property taxpayers have been holding the big stick that played a factor in those revenue caps. All the while the minds offering solutions to a more equitable way of financing public schools spin their wheels.

Traditional public schools have offered outstanding results and have had its share of failure. It’s difficult to judge as there has been no real alternative - other than home schooling - which may have a higher percentage of success than any other educational system - to compare against.

Smaller school districts have been scrambling the past handful of years perhaps with an urgency more behind the scenes - to become part of this educational revolution. And that’s what it is.

News from Grantsburg - and it’s connection with a virtual school tied with the high-profile University of Phoenix - is a big sign of things to come.

Can we fight it?

And why would we want to?

C

Northern exposure...or not

losing schools when temperatures dip to 20 or 30 below wasn’t always a given.

In fact, even middle-agers will tell you they can remember cold snaps that went for days on end – and it simply meant that kids put on more layers of clothing to wait for the bus - or not. Some of us probably can remember those brave and/or ignorant souls who went through the winter in sneakers, minus headwear and gloves, just because they were young and, perhaps, undersupervised.

Life went on.

So it was soul-warming to see schools buck that tradition Monday by closing schools and announcing it the evening before. Have we gone soft and lost our hearty spirit of the northland?

Naw. We’ve gotten smarter.

There’s simply no reason to subject anyone, particularly young people, to dangers associated with sub-zero temperatures. Given the potential for mechanical breakdowns on long bus routes in such conditions is enough of a reason in itself to call off school.

Let the stubborn adults keep their appointments in this kind of weather ,but we need to make wise decisions when it comes to school safety.

And this was one of them.

W h e re t o Wr i t e President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey 7th Congressional District 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Wisconsin office: Federal Building Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-District 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Frank Boyle 73rd Assembly District Room 221 North State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708 E-mail: Rep.Boyle@legis.state.wi.us

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd.

Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper: Since1933.

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Congressman Ron Kind 3rd Congressional District 1713 Longwirth Office Bdg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5506 888-442-8040 (toll-free) ron.kind@mail.house.gov

The crew of the Inter-County Leader in the late 1930s at a Centuria parade. Formed in 1933, the newspaper quickly expanded to Burnett and Washburn counties.

The views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent the views of ICPPA board members or employees

T h e

I n t e r - C o u n t y

L e a d e r

i s

a

Views from across the S t a t e Ethics law isn’t end of necessary reform

Y

es, a bill to merge the state Elections and Ethics boards passed the Legislature and was signed into law

by Gov. Jim Doyle on Friday.

And, yes, despite the bill’s shortcomings, that is a significant accomplishment.

Just that single step could not be achieved last year because of partisan rancor, and it took a minor bipartisan miracle - with more than a little help from the November election results - to make it happen.

But don’t let anyone in state government tell you that ethics reform has occurred.

They might try, saying the law that just passed will forever change the way business is done in the state Capitol.

There’s no guarantee of that.

The law should make it easier to catch those involved in wrongdoing, by giving the new Government Accountability Board enforcement power and resources the Ethics Board lacked. The threat of greater enforcement might lead some legislators to shy away from trouble.

But business in Madison - at least for the time being - will still be done the same way. More work needs to be done on reform.

One problem is the bill that just passed.

It’s lacking in a few areas.

One is transparency. The investigations conducted by the Government Accountability Board will be closed to the public. So will the opinions the board gives about campaign-finance ethics and lobbying regulations. Those processes will be less open than they are under the Ethics and Elections boards. Ethics and secrecy don’t mix. ...The temptations are great for lawmakers whose continuing employment or advancement relies on raising money for their campaigns. Too often, there’s a question about whether state elected officials are acting or voting in the best interests of their constituents or in the best interests of special interests and those who’ve contributed to their campaigns. ...The next step in cleaning up the Capitol has to be campaign finance reform. But the final step in true ethics reform rests within each elected official and each official’s personal ethics. Appleton Post-Crescent

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L e a d e r

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

F O R U M

C o m m u n i t y

believe that nicotine is addictive.” Their job, as with those who want to deny the reality of global warming, is to make the public believe that there is uncertainty in the matter.

That’s simply a convenient lie—the flip side of “an inconvenient truth.” A large random sample of nearly here is no longer any doubt that global warm10,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies showed that ing is occurring and that it’s our fault. there was no—zero—disagreement among reputable It is not a part of some natural weather cycle. weather scientists on the matter. Now the UN panel’s And, if we don’t start now to reduce its report reaches the same conclusion. Global warming is causes, the planet that our grandchildren and their real. It is reaching alarming levels. It is caused primarigrandchildren will inherit will be far less hospitable.

Boyd ly by human activity. And if we don’t do something to Even worse, the human disruptions from the effects Sutton change it, there will be catastrophic consequences. of rising sea levels and from more frequent and That’s real, not hype. more severe storms and droughts will affect hunA similar study of thousands of news stories, on the dreds of millions of people in the United States and other hand, revealed that just over 50 percent of those stories around the world.

It is not difficult to imagine the disruption created by reported on some uncertainty. Where did the reporters get that Hurricane Katrina because we don’t have to imagine it. It hap- uncertainty? From peer-reviewed scientific studies? No! They pened! We watched it on TV. Some of you went down there to took their information from businesses, lobbyists, and politicians with a vested interest in continuing business as usual, and volunteer help.

Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, their lives damn the consequences. Well, I’ll take my answers from peerchanged forever; thousands died. Order broke down. Police reviewed scientific journals over lobbyists and politicians any deserted their duties. One tourist asked a New Orleans police day, thank you.

I read a notice in The Leader that Frederic Community officer for help and was told, “Go to hell. It’s every man for himself.” Doctors, nurses, and other hospital workers simply Education would sponsor a showing of the movie, “An left, while those who remained had to cope with the worst Inconvenient Truth,” which documents the evidence for and consequences of global warming. It is presented in a clear and imaginable circumstances.

Now try to imagine that happening in low-lying coastal cities entertaining way. The photography is beautiful and the grapharound the world. If the worst-case predictions for global ics are among the most easily understood I have ever seen.

The movie was shown at Frederic High School this past warming come true, that’s exactly what will happen—on an Thursday evening. Refreshments were served and there was to unimaginable scale.

I acknowledge that this reflects the worst-case scenario laid be discussion afterward. Only two people came. What a disapout by the United Nations Panel on Global Warming. But, the pointment! This community missed a wonderful opportunity scientists claim, “Inaction will lead to the worst possible scenar- to view a movie that almost certainly will win an Academy ios.” That’s not “may lead,” but “will lead”—if nations don’t Award this year, to learn the compelling facts about global warming, and to discuss what we can do about it, “right here in start now to substantially reduce global warming.

Ten percent of the world’s population lives in coastal areas at River City,” as the line goes in “The Music Man.” Yes, friends, or very near sea level. That’s close to 600 million people. New the problem is right here in River City…er, I mean Frederic, Orleans’ population was just under 500,000. So, imagine 120 Siren, Grantsburg, and ….

You may think the problem is too big for anything you do to Katrinas and all of the associated economic and human tragedy make a difference. Not so. For example, install CFL bulbs as and displacement.

Of course it won’t happen quickly, as Katrina did. It will your old ones burn out. They do cost more initially, but save come about slowly, so some of the tragedy associated with a money in the long run because they last nearly 10 times longer quick-onset catastrophic event will be avoided. But not the and use less electricity. Every CFL bulb installed will save its human and economic displacement. That will happen. Katrina owner $20-$50 over the life of that one bulb and will spare the caused hundreds of thousands of people to relocate to other atmosphere nearly one ton of carbon dioxide—that’s for every areas. The effects on housing, jobs, public services, and law and bulb installed. That’s something. Now multiply that by the number of bulbs in your home and the population of this area. order were tremendous. Now multiply that by 120.

In addition to raised sea level, global warming will – not may, We can do something meaningful. That’s just one small step.

Frederic Community Ed will show “An Inconvenient Truth” but will – bring about huge storms and extended droughts— again. And this time, I hope a lot more of us show up to learn massive changes in weather patterns.

You might have heard that scientists don’t agree that global about the problem and discuss what we can do. The world that warming is a reality or even that it is caused by human activi- our grandchildren and their grandchildren inherit is in our ty. That reminds me of the sight of those seven or eight tobacco hands. Do nothing now and we bequeath to them a much less executives standing before the Congress and stating, “I don’t hospitable world.

We must do something about global warming

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S t a f f

C O R N E R

armed with my air compressor, ready to fill the water pressure tank with some air. Huh? I was ing “our” mistakes and could feeling somewhat intimidated straighten us out. Uh huh, I by the task, because it really really want to work with didn’t make much sense to me. you, sunshine.

I didn’t know how much air to I’ve always been one of put in said water pressure tank, those people who liked to but I did locate a sticker on the look for spelling errors. It’s tank with some general guidecheap entertainment! I know Connie lines. I got to the last sentence there are a lot of you out had to laugh out loud.

Gardner and there as well. You know who There was a typo. It said, you are – always spotting “Check air pressure with an typos and mistakes in, not just accutate tire gauge.” Now, the paper, but on signage, marquees - feeling quite smug that I couldn’t be anything. Well, let me share something outsmarted by a tank that can’t spell, I with you. Once this becomes a profes- forged ahead. Victory was mine. sion, it ruins you. I can’t even go out to But back to the office. I must admit I dinner anymore without scrutinizing a love my job. That’s a strong word, but menu, not for the food, but for spelling, it’s true. Each day brings something grammar, font and basic overall different. Some days, we really get appearance. I have an overwhelming lucky and come across a gaffe that urge to dig out my red pen and make makes us weep with laughter. Other corrections. Forget books. Another days the material can be rather dry, and example came last week. I was having after 10 to 12 hours of reading, it’s hard trouble with my well pump at home. to comprehend anything anymore. I I’m not so handy when it comes to don’t know how I’d fare proofreading, plumbing, so I had to turn to the say, technical material. I bet those Internet to troubleshoot my problem. errors would only strike a geek funny.

Once I read, and made mental correc- Besides proofreading the Leader, we tions to, the possible solution to my are also responsible for the Washburn problem, I returned to the basement County Register, the five Advertisers,

And what is it you do?

K, so most of you are looking at this and wondering, “Who’s she?” I’m not a new reporter.

I’m not a reporter at all, but I am a staff member of this fine operation, so I guess that entitles me to a few words in the Staff Corner.

I inhabit the production department as a proofreader. It’s kind of funny, really, when I tell people what I do here. I get one of two responses: the lip-curl of revulsion followed by, “Oof, I wouldn’t want your job.” Or, the other reaction is, “Oh, cool! I’d love to do that!” There’s never much middle ground – sort of like folks’ reaction to White Castle hamburgers.

I have only been here a little over a year, but I have learned a lot in that time. People mistakenly think one just comes in off the street, plops down at a desk and begins checking copy for misspelled words. Let me tell you, it’s not like that at all. I won’t bore you with all the finer points, so you’ll just have to take my correctly spelled word for it.

Awhile back when there was a position opening, we received comments on how different people were qualified for the job because they were always find-

V O I C E S

c o o p e r a t i v e - o w n e d

plus whatever commercial work comes our way. The classifieds can be a real hoot, and a challenge. Did you know the most disregarded phrase in history is “please print”? Some ads come in looking like they have been written in Sanskrit. Others come in on a wide array of writing medium; envelopes, tiny bits of paper, the reverse side of bills and so forth. I was told that once an ad showed up written on a used paper plate. That left me pondering what was written.

“Wanted: Dinnerware. Service for eight.” (My apologies to anyone that’s done this. I mean no offense.)

We try our best here. Our hearts are in our work. Granted, there will still be errors. Sometimes we miss, and some things are beyond the control of our trusty red pens. Believe me, no one wants to see an error-free paper more than the three souls in proofreading.

There is nothing more demoralizing than grabbing a paper, hot off the press, only to be faced with a glaring error staring back at you from Page 1. Ugh. It’s times like that when we want to crawl underneath our collective desks.

And then, when someone asks me what I do at the Leader, I smile and say, “I’m in environmental services!”

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Smoking ban I live in Wisconsin, and work in Minnesota, and I am a smoker, for now anyway. I am affected by the choices of politicians from both of these states when it comes to smoking bans in public places.

This great country is supposed to be based on equality, yet when it comes to this smoking issue, the nonsmoking groups want it all their way. Tobacco is a legal substance. No one forces anyone to either work in or enter places that have smoking The city should conduct some surveys to see the ratio of smokers and nonsmokers that patronize a bar or restaurant. They should also consider letting the property owner decide the fate of his or her own establishment, it should not be dictated by the government or anyone else. It is their property! Big brother?

The scenario here is simple. The government enforces nonsmoking in all bars and restaurants, removing the American rights from the owners and the patrons. The patrons who smoke stop going there. The business suffers, the entertainment world suffers because the bars can no longer afford to pay for bands, DJs or karaoke, and the ultimate result is loss of jobs and the loss of taxes, yes, taxes for our cities, counties and states!!

Nonsmokers have a serious control issue and they refuse to allow equality and compromise which is our right as Americans. They insist on patronizing places where there are smokers, then whine about secondhand smoke. Why not compromise, some bars have smoking, some not? Why do they have to have them all?

If the counties or cities divided the bars and restaurants and allowed half to be smoke-free and half for smoking, they would probably see the ones that allows the smoking would thrive better then the ones that don’t. It would also give the whiners their own space smoke free, and the cities and counties would still get their taxes, the entertainment world would still have their jobs, and everyone should be happy!

I recently went to a site and was shocked by what I found there. Articles by doctors, scientists all backing the fact that bogus studies are being used by the anti-smokers including American Heart Association! In the Washington Post, Jan. 30, 2007, is an article written by a scientist, Gio Batta Gori and a counter article written by another scientist, Michael Siegel, http://www.washingtonpost.com/ go to the search box, enter Gio Batta Gori and you will find it.

This site even goes as far as showing you the data they are using, and the scare tactics they are brainwashing the public with. The scarier, the better! Go to: http://www.smokersclubinc.com/ It clearly shows how these organizations are scaring the heck out of people, making them think they will instantly get cancer by breathing smoke, and it just is not true.

See:

http://highwire.stanford.edu/cgi/medline/pmid;1 6399662 http://www.forces.org/evidence/carol/carol24.ht m http://www.library.ucsf.edu/tobacco/batco/OCR/ 0/30.txt http://kuneman.smokersclub.com/ http://www.geocities.com/shelioness/shs.html http://www.smokersclubinc.com/modules.php? name=News&file=article&sid=518 and this is a must: http://www.geocities.com/madmaxmcgarrity/To xicToxicology.htm

Research and write to your governors.

Krystyn Knights Luck

Healing Dear people of Burnett and Polk County, I implore you to please leave the families of Mitchell Ludden alone. They have been through enough. They have wounds to heal themselves.

Most people are curious, but at this time, please respect the people and their wishes.

Shannan Higgins-Johnson Grantsburg

Open enrollment

The school district your children attend heavily impacts the doors that will open for them in the future.

That’s why the state of Wisconsin allows parents to open enroll their children into school districts other than their home district.

The state realizes parents sometimes need different programs and facilities for their particular children. Perhaps another school’s educational or schoolmanagement style better meshes with the parents’ philosophies. Or, perhaps parents feel concerned about how the educational situation in their home district is affecting their children.

Parents who want to take advantage of open enrollment must submit applications to the district of their choice from Feb. 5-25. These applications can be picked up at any school district office.

In early May, parents will be notified as to whether their students have been accepted. School districts can deny applications due to space, special education costs, or because a student has been expelled from a district in the past.

Parents whose children have been accepted must then notify the school by June 8 if their children plan to attend.

Parents still can change their minds up to the first day of school and place their children in their home district.

Before making the final decision, though, parents should conduct some conversations with key district personnel such as the district superintendent or school board members, the principal and teachers.

Ask the superintendent or school board: What is your educational philosophy?

What do you see as the greatest asset of your district that makes it stand above others?

What is the financial situation of the district? Have you cut, maintained, or increased educational programs? What does the future look like?

How is your relationship with the school district staff?

How are the students in your district achieving, and what are you doing to meet Leave No Child Behind?

Ask the principal the same questions, plus: What are your school’s strongest and weakest programs?

What is your discipline policy and philosophy?

Ask the teachers the same questions, plus: What is your teaching style like?

How do the administration and school board support teachers?

For more information on the open enrollment process, go to http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/psctoc.html.

Darrell Imhoff Frederic

Polk s future Would you like to help shape the future of Polk County? Would you like to have your ideas and thoughts lis-

tened to and recognized as valid?

Would you be willing to take part in a public forum that simply requires expressing your opinion and listening to what others have to say about our county’s future?

In the past, we were considered a rural county and had a small population. Farming was our main occupation, our villages were small, and each village had its own school and churches.

We shopped in our own towns and socialized mainly within our own communities. And we liked it that way!

Polk County is growing and changing. The population is nearing 45,000 residents and we are becoming, not only a bedroom community to the Twin Cities, but are also developing as a marketplace as big retail businesses are moving in. Other changes follow.

Schools, roads, county services and other elements of our county are affected.

What do you see as Polk County’s future? Do we want to preserve our rural ways? Will we be able to retain our small-town and rural lifestyle? Is there something was can do today that will influence the manner in which we grow?

Polk County is in the process of developing a strategic plan for influencing our future. We are looking at our past, assessing our present status, and asking what we want our county to look like in years to come. Finally, we must decide how to shape our path to that desired future.

Your input is essential. Who better to shape the future of our county than its citizens? Attend one of the public forums held during the month of February in three different locations in the county – Luck, Osceola and Amery.

See the ad in this paper.

Let your voice be heard.

Pat Schmidt Luck

Lord s battle Instead of badmouthing President Bush about his decision to send forth more troops, it would be much wiser to cover the troops with prayer!

The Garden of Eden, which is located in the vicinity of modern-day Iraq must be fought for! If we are to be a Godfearing country, we must send forth, by prayer, the spiritual military to fight for the land that Satan has been allowed to keep since the deception of that poisonous apple! (Eph. 6:12).

Please realize, it is only by the power of God – by his spirit that anything of lasting value will be accomplished.

(Zech. 4:6) That includes winning this war!

Those of us who claim Jesus as Lord, must stand forth as the army of the Kingdom of God, using the authority of the name of Jesus to break the curse of The Fall of Man, commanding it to bow down to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

We must pray with power in the name of Jesus to send forth the angels of God to fight against the demonic forces that have held the Iraqi’s captive. We must release our faith and believe it shall come to pass here on earth as it is in heaven. We must claim this land and the people on it for the Kingdom of God. The Iraqi’s are not afraid of man, but the enemy they worship fears Jesus. We must pray for the salvation of the Iraqi people in Christ alone. Better yet, we must pray that the whole U.S. military will come to know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Just as the Israelites covered their doorways with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:21-23), we must cover the U.S. military with the blood of Jesus.

We must confess that no

weapons formed against them will succeed (Isaiah 54:17) when they are covered by the protective blood of Jesus.

(Rev. 12:11) We must plead the blood of Jesus on their living quarters, on the vehicles, on the men and women themselves including their spirits, souls, bodies, and on their hearts and minds.

While we’re at it, let’s put the blood of Jesus on the innocent people of Iraq covering their spirits, souls, minds, hearts and bodies. Claim on their behalf that no more weapons formed against them will succeed. Let us ask the glorious God to come down from his heavenly throne of grace and intervene, and to live amongst the military, and the people they are fighting for. Then we must praise God, believing for a breakthrough in the name of Jesus. We must confess that by the stripes of Jesus, all who are wounded are healed, healthy and whole. (Isaiah 53) We must remember that Jesus died on the cross for everyone. We must plead with God to have mercy on us, to forgive us, all, for not focusing on him, but rather the things of the world. (Like believing that guns and bombs are going to end this war.) We must ask as Jesus did on the cross to forgive them - the Iraqi’s for they know not what they are doing.

(Luke 22:34) We must not fear, but rather put our trust in the powerful living God, for he loves each and every living soul, his creations so very much.

Expect to see His mighty hand at work as he crushes the enemy and blesses his people, those who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. he is waiting!

Amen and Amen!

Susan Brandt Balsam Lake

Can t buy respect This is a response to Tim Schultz’s “Teachers deserve respect.”

Grantsburg teachers and support staff are respected for the results they achieve by the taxpayers who support this school district.

The Grantsburg School Board has a greater degree of respect because of the massive pressure they have to balance the precious resource called money on behalf of the taxpayers. The Web site at www.taxpayerwatchdogs.org leading cartoon say’s it all.

This is what is going on in most organizations: Compensation equals salary plus benefits.

This is the total cost of an employee.

When money availability shrinks, then people are let go, which is a tragedy. All parties who are part of the problem, need to be part of the solution.

I think the school board is trying to get you to understand that funds are limited and requesting both an increase in salary and benefits is beyond the capability of monies available. It may be in the best interest of all, that there starts a shift in benefit dollars to the salary side and the employee begins to take ownership for their health care options and costs.

Money does not buy respect! Respect is earned by serving people.

Rich Hess Trade Lake

Follow the Leader.

L e a d e r Letters t o t h e e d i t o r

Health insurance

I do not mean any disrespect to the teachers of the Grantsburg School District. However, how can they complain about having to pay $380 a year for health insurance.

If one lives on Social Security, the cost of health care is about $1,122 a year.

And supplement insurance can be another $1,200-plus a year. I pay better than a total of $2,300 a year for good health insurance.

It has more than paid for itself over the last three years due to two operations. I would love to pay only $380 or even $760 a year.

Leo Richards Webster

Luck school

I find this drivers education issue rather disturbing in the Luck school.

The administration claims the school cannot afford drivers ed because it costs $15,000 a year.

Drivers ed is a positive, constructive program. It is a safety issue for the students as well as for everyone on the road, and it has lifetime benefits for all.

How does $15,000 compare to the cost of the administration? An administrator and two principals, in a smalltown, one-horse school? What is the cost of the secretaries that do their work for them? Get real!!! Why is there a need for this much administration?

How does $15,000 compare to the cost of the sports programs? Not to mention the cost of transportation to and from other one-horse schools?

Face it! One-horse schools are a thing of the past, as are the horse and buggy.

What is the cost in lost tax revenues on the 40 acres of lakeshore that the school board doesn’t know what to do with?

Putting the land back on the tax rolls would make sense, so of course this will never happen.

The purpose of all schools is to educate.

Quality schools get quality administrators. One-horse schools get what’s leftover. Not so, you say? The facts prove otherwise.

Elmer Eliason Luck

Ditch riders

I would like to first start off by saying I like snowmobiling as much as most of the people around here. But my problem is people’s different versions of “ditch riding.” To me, “ditch riding” would be riding in well, the ditch- you know the 10-15 feet or so feet on the sides of the road. This past Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28, when I arrived home after work I saw snowmobile tracks through out our hay field next to our house and all over our yard. Our sleds are currently out of commission so I knew it wasn’t my husband.

When I asked my husband what was going on, he said that three young kids were driving around. One was having mechanical trouble, and my husband went out to investigate. My husband informed them that they were driving on newly seeded field, and we didn’t appreciate them riding around on our field. After further investigation, I also noticed that they narrowly missed our four-wire barbed fence. Not only would that have caused serious injury, but who would have been responsible to fix that? Luckily they were doing this during the day where they could see the fence before it was too late!

We noticed that it appeared the same group had a good time around our neighborhood. Several of our neighbors had tracks 30-100 feet into their

yard, but for some reason they missed our neighbor’s yard, who happens to be a village police officer. But the most frustrating was the diagonal path through my parents’ 30-acre hay field.

Neither my parents nor my husband or I gave anyone permission to ride on our property. Is it really necessary to post No Trespassing signs all over our property? I thought that was pretty much a given that you don’t go on other people’s property.

My husband said these kids were pretty young. So did they miss that part of Snowmobile Safety that said obtain permission to ride on other’s land?

Although it was about 17 years ago for me, I seem to remember a big part of the class being focused on permission and respect to others. Please, respect other’s property, and ask before trespassing. If you are going to “ditch ride,” stay in the ditch! Or a better thought, wait until the trails are open.

We are all eager to get out there on the sleds!

Allie (Sahr) Scherff Frederic

Bush s surge

Democrats, you were elected a majority into the Congress and Senate by your constituents for a reason. Do you know what the reason was? Think hard and work hard together to defeat Bush’s “surge” and financing for all this. Bush wants to send 21,500 troops into Iraq. This surge would be accomplished by extending the duties of some troops in Iraq, speeding up the redeployment of other troops. Army troops duty would be extended from 12 to 15 months and Marines from 7 to 12 months. Also come combat troops (not yet fully trained) would be sent over to Iraq reenforcements. The cost of all of this would be enormous.

There is a civil war going on in Iraq and our troops are in the middle of it and a surge of our troops isn’t going to settle the Iraq problems, probably make them worse. It’s up to the Iraqi government to settle their problems in their own way. Seventy-two percent of the American people do not approve of this war and want our troops brought home now, not more troops sent over there or duties and/or tours extended.

Democrats, you have your work cut out for you to work together and with the Republicans that also oppose this surge and make sure that any financing for this be blocked. Now is the time to show your constituents that you are listening to them. Oppose Bush on this surge situation he wants and kill any bill that would finance this surge. Let Bush and his cronies talk the talk but make them take a walk.

I’m sure we all support the troops, but the best way we can support the troops and their families is to bring them home now, before more American blood is spilled over there.

Jack Rued Balsam Lake

From the first issue of the Inter-County Leader, November 2, 1933

“...stock has been sold with the understanding that this is to be a cooperativeowned paper serving the best interest of the common people, whether they be farmers, professional men or business men. The welfare of one group should mean the welfare of the other groups...”

Bennie Bye, editor

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

F O R U M A r e a N e w s

Cold blamed for death of farmer, cattle

DUNN COUNTY - The cold weather appears to have caused the death of a 77year-old farmer and 25 of his cattle in western Wisconsin. Authorities in Dunn County said the man was in an enclosed barn Monday with his tractor running, and he apparently suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. A dog was killed along with the cattle. It happened in the town of Wilson. The man’s name was not immediately released. – New Richmond News

Lack of snow hurts businesses

HAYWARD - Retail businesses in the Hayward area continue to feel a financial pinch from what can be described as sporadic seasonal business, according to reports stemming from the Sawyer County Development Corporation. The reality of no snow for recreational snowmobilers and tourists persists as the area’s greatest financial woe in this off-season period. Though this is the case, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Many area service sectors including hotels, restaurants and gas stations are reporting either level business or increased business activity over previous years. These businesses attribute their sustained customer base to the Enbridge pipeline workers staying in Hayward as the construction of the pipeline begins west of the city. “First of all, for this time of year, I would say it’s been pretty quiet,” Famous Dave’s management said. “For lack of a better statement, (the lack of business) makes us wonder whether we should even be open at this time of year. The weekends haven’t been as bad, but during the week business has been down considerably. It’s been difficult to swallow, I guess.” Sawyer County Record

Teacher wills $400,000 to local causes

BARRON - Although close friends described her as a very reserved person, the late Luretta Kuhl expressed extreme generosity to her community in her will, reportedly donating approximately $400,000 to local causes. Kuhl, a retired kindergarten teacher from the Barron Area School District, divided half of her estate amongst the Barron County Historical Society, the Barron Public Library and the Barron Area Community Center with checks of $66,667 apiece. The other half reportedly went to the First United Methodist Church in Barron. Orville Stokes, vice president of the county’s historical society, said members of his organization had heard rumors of the impending donation months ago, but the proof finally came in the form of a $66,667 check received just last month. Two of Kuhl’s close friends–Barron residents Mary Halvorson and Donna Severude–said Kuhl rarely spoke about financial matters, but she had expressed a desire to give back to the community were she had earned her living as a teacher for 28 years.

“The last thing in the world she would talk about would be her money,” Halvorson said. Both Halvorson and Severude were longtime colleagues of Kuhl, and they described her as a frugal person who caught rides to work instead of driving a car. Kuhl had received a large inheritance from her parents when they died, Severude said. She had no other living relatives. Halvorson said Kuhl passed away last August after a long battle with diabetes. – Barron News-Shield

City loses Wal-Mart case

RICE LAKE - Barron Electric Cooperative, and not Rice Lake Utilities, should have had the exclusive right to supply electrical service to Wal-Mart, the state Public Service Commission ruled last week. Rice Lake Utilities supplies service to the store, which opened in October 2005. The commission ruled that Rice Lake Utilities must now negotiate with BEC for the sale of the distribution lines to the Supercenter, and if an agreement can’t be reached on a sale, the commission will require Rice Lake to remove their lines. A more specific ruling, including how the situation is to be remedied, is expected from the commission in the next few weeks. The commission also faulted Rice Lake for taking the Wal-Mart account while it either knew or should have known that the action was a violation of state law. The loss of electricity sales to Wal-Mart won’t have a big impact on the utility financially because there’s a small return margin on electrical sales. That return is regulated by the PSC. He said the city bills about $21,000 per month to the store. The case began in 2004 when BEC filed a complaint with the state Public Service Commission stating that electric service to the Supercenter should be provided by the cooperative rather than Rice Lake Utilities. The PSC dismissed that case, saying that Wal-Mart had not yet been built. BEC refiled the complaint in January 2005. The cooperative claimed that because it served the area before it was annexed into the city, it had a right to continue to do so. The city utility countered that it is properly serving the store because of a state law saying the city utility can grow with the community. Also at issue was the location of existing electric lines for each utility. Several issues surfaced during proceedings before the PSC, including the question of who changed electric service at the Wal-Mart construction trailer from the Barron Electric Cooperative to Rice Lake Utilities. That was never determined despite a sheriff’s investigation. Rice Lake Utilities serves about 5,000 customers, nearly all of whom are in the city limits. Barron Electric Cooperative serves about 16,000 customers in Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn counties.- Rice Lake Chronotype

Runaway sought

NEW RICHMOND - A 15-year-old New Richmond girl is being sought after she apparently ran away from home on Jan. 24. Leann Holter, a New Richmond High School student, left for school at 7:15 a.m. that day but never arrived at the high school. According to her stepfather, Joe Furlong, her photograph and personal information has been placed on two national missing persons registries, and the family is working with area law enforcement personnel on the matter. The family has also placed posters throughout the region seeking information about their daughter. “We don’t know where else to turn,” he said.

“Every chance I get, I’m out looking. We’ve checked every place we could.” Furlong, who works for the New Richmond bus company, said his stepdaughter likely left the area with friends.

He’s asking that anyone with information call the New Richmond Police Department at 715-246-6667 or Furlong’s cell phone at 715-220-7298. “Not knowing where she’s at is tearing us apart,” he said. Holter is 5’5” tall and 150 pounds.

She has brown hair and brown eyes. – New Richmond News

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EDC coordinator discusses SCF interests

Cabela’s not looking here ST. CROIX FALLS–Mike Welch of the Polk County Economic Development Corporation said this week that even though St. Croix Falls has opted out of the EDC as a member, he still does promote St. Croix Falls and has had contacts with potential businesses for that area.

Welch said that he has more information now about the infrastructure situation with the city to support continued development.

“I continue to get more inquiries for information from landowners and businesses each week,” Welch said.

Welch commented on the recent discussions he has had with other communities and the comments he has made in

reference to St. Croix Falls. One of those brand names mentioned by Welch is Cabela’s. Welch stated, “They typically do not work with development companies, according to one of the two companies focusing on the Hwy. 8 / 35 intersections. They also want significant incentives. I know of at least two landowners currently interacting with Cabela’s. The EDC has provided trade area information.”

Communication with the city administrator for St. Croix Falls has been made

by Cabela’s by Barbara Wynkoop, New Site Development Cabela's Retail Inc. In her communications to administrator Ed Emerson, she states, ”We have received your site request for a Cabela’s in St. Croix Falls and appreciate very much your interest in our retail show-

rooms. We are continually scouting locations throughout the United States and Canada that fit our necessary criteria. We realize your location has benefits to offer and appreciate the thought that Cabela’s would be a positive addition to your community.

“However, although we have had requests to locate in this area, we are currently not considering St. Croix Falls or looking at additional sites in Wisconsin. We have recently opened our Richfiled, store and will be analyzing its performance for several years. In addition, St. Croix Falls does not have a major interstate for us to locate on and that is one of our top criteria for site selection. I apologize that you have received incorrect information. Thank you for the opportunity that you have

presented to us, and we wish you success in all your outdoor adventures.”

Another brand name dropped by Welch at local meetings is Gander Mountain. “They are a possibility, but an outlet near the Hwy. 8 / 35 junctions may cannibalize their Forest Lake location. There are others, such as Sportsman’s Warehouse that may have a greater interest,” he said.

Welch said his work with potential interested development is confidential.

“If the landowner, developer, development company, business or EDC member wants us to communicate their plans we will. But so far, other than a general release of information, no one wants information released until the deal is signed,” Welch responded. – submitted

New, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins at SCRMC

Property deeded to city for skate park A skateboard park will be developed on the property across from city hall on Hwy. 35 in St. Croix Falls, thanks to a donation from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The DOT deeded the property to the city for recreational use. A plan over 10 years in the making for a skateboard park, originally presented by Warren White, park and rec. member and plan commissioner, will move forward with plans to start construction in May and a groundbreaking ceremony for the park’s opening hopefully to take place the second week in June. The official signing of the quitclaim deed took place Feb. 6, at city hall. Pictured signing is Ken Thimm of the DOT. Also pictured looking on (L to R) are: park and rec. member Bob Nichols, park and rec. chair Amy Klein and, in the background, city councilman Jon Cermin.

–Photo by Tammi Milberg

ST. CROIX FALLS – An estimated 20 to 25 million Americans have varicose veins, most commonly in the legs and feet, and St. Croix Regional Medical Center is now offering a new solution for the discomfort, swelling and appearance of varicose veins that doesn’t involve painful vein stripping.

Called Vnus Closure, this clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure treats varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain. Closure patients can walk away from the procedure and are back to routine activities, either at home or at work, typically within a day. Most major health insurers cover the Closure procedure.

Vnus Closure differs significantly from the vein stripping technique.

During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein, to pull the vein out of the leg.

With the Closure procedure, however, only one small puncture is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach eliminates pain and

bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.

Vnus Closure has many advantages: • quicker recovery – most patients return to normal activities in just a few days • patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure • patients are walking immediately following the procedure, and they typically resume normal activities within one day • many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness, and fatigue. The full benefits of the procedure may take one to two weeks • patients report minimal, if any, scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Closure procedure • improved comfort/less pain • no overnight hospitalization necessary More information about the Vnus Closure procedure is available by calling the St. Croix Falls Clinic, or logging on to: www.vnus.com/navigation/patients.ht m - from SCRMC

SCF preliminary groundwater resource and water well evaluation findings ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls requested a study from two sources to define the city’s capability to find and maintain fresh water wells within the city.

The first report from Cedar Corp. was completed during summer 2006. The second report completed by Gil Gabansky, hydrogeologist, compliments of the Cedar Corp. report.

Gabansky's preliminary report is being readied for a complete presentation at the Feb. 26 city council meeting.

A summary of the findings follows: • The city location on underlying basalt or trap rock limits the depth and

amount of groundwater availability.

•The city is also hampered by soft upper sandstone that is not competent to support an open bedrock water well.

• Installation of new wells within the city could result in well interference with existing wells.

•The city's ability to accommodate much additional growth is seriously impacted by an inability to find adequate water sources.

•The city should continue redevelopment of its existing wells, including previously abandoned wells, which, optimistically, may produce a combined additional 400 gallons per minute –

short of the 550 gallons per minute to accommodate a population of 3,500 persons.

•The only feasible new wells, after examining 30 years of test well data, are located at Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 35. This area could produce a potential pumping rate of 50 gpm to 75 gpm. A well field could be developed at this location – two wells drilled to produce a combined 100 gpm to 175 gpm. However, the cost to do so would be estimated at least $2 million.

•Additionally, extending water lines two miles down Hwy. 8 to reach this location would likely result in additional growth demand – meaning the water

well production gain would likely be offset by additional growth as a result of establishing the main and wells. (The cost to accommodate wastewater and water capacity to accommodate growth to 3,500 population would be a $500per-year increase to existing residents – based on current average consumption.)

According to Mayor Brad Foss, the report conclusions are essentially that the city has reached its water capacity, and the ability to affordably and prudently accommodate providing water for additional growth is also at capacity.

–from the city of St. Croix Falls

Final cost for CTH F project drops Dresser approves estimate, final plans

by Tammi Milberg DRESSER–The village board for Dresser approved the final plans and estimate for a road project for CTH F from Hwy. 35 to CTH MM Monday night.

The original estimate for the project was $677,064. When the board

approved the final plans and cost estimate, the project dollars were down almost $20,000. The board approved the project with a final cost of $659,061.

The bids for the project will be awarded in March at the regular meeting.

In other business, the board approved fill and seed or sod for the property the village acquired as park space (former Cam Hanson building). The building is no longer standing, and the property is adjacent to existing park land in the vil-

lage, so the public works committee recommended creating a green space to the board. The board approved the idea with a cost not to exceed $2,500.

Officer Ryan Haass reported the numbers for police enforcement are up for January, due to worthless check cases and thefts, during his report to the board. The month excluding those two issues has been about the same as preceding months for enforcement.

The board also approved an amend-

ment to align themselves with state statutes and amend the ordinance to read the voting polls will be open beginning at 7 a.m. The polls are normally open that early, but the wording in the ordinance was a formality for compliance.

It was noted the polls at the village hall will be open Feb. 20 for the primary from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The next regular board meeting is March 5, at 6:30 p.m.

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Tribal Spirits – Rhythms of the Heart

ST. CROIX FALLS - What do you get when you combine a group of professionals, hippies, designers and free spirits of all ages? Often, not much. But when the Tribal Spirits of the Sun dance and drumming troupe was born, it was pure magic – that’s something that everyone in the tribe agrees on.

“When we showed up at the first meetings, I remember that it was all very informal and fun,” recalls Amy Danielson, whose tribal name is Raven.

“Barbie’s (Arya’s) vision was to have a dance tribe with a spirit of joy, and she got what she asked for! She showed us a few choreographies, and then let us dream up new ones. We played – cracked open that dusty door to our creative side like it hadn’t been opened since we were children.”

This type of experience is just what any creative person dreams of. Anyone who’s been a little in the left field all their lives, has had a few too many ideas for most people’s taste, and has had dreams that have been just a little too big can understand the amazement Raven experienced. She likened it to a trip into Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders – but with no band of thieves coming back to guard it. Tribal Spirits of the Sun quickly became a place to share ideas without the fear of instant blacklisting – a place where everyone would see each other as an equal.

That sense of openness and honor toward each other and the spirit of creativity have had some big results for the tribe. Their performance repertoire is colorful and diverse, influenced by

dance styles from across the globe.

Rehearsals and performance showcase the amazing talents of their members.

Audiences are truly inspired as they experience a Tribal Spirits performance, whether at the Wisconsin Renaissance Faire, a wedding dance, a Halloween masquerade, or cabaret glitz, the fun and passion is contagious. The troupe loves being together, dancing, drumming, making mistakes and sometimes creating new ideas out of them. Positive energy fills the air and audiences respond.

Tribal Spirits of the Sun is preparing for two special performances on Saturday, Feb. 24, as part of Festival Theatre’s New Doors program. First is a workshop from 1-2 p.m. that invites families and individuals of all ages to

participate with percussion instruments and learn some dance moves. The workshop fee is just $2 per person and is totally family oriented and definitely very kid-friendly. Then, on Saturday evening from 7-9 p.m. is a full performance entitled “Tribal Rhythms.”

General admission tickets are on sale now for $10 and can be purchased by calling or stopping by the Festival Theatre box office at 210 N. Washington Street in historic downtown St. Croix Falls. Box office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the telephone numbers are 715-4833387 or 888-887-6002. – from Festival Theatre

An early-morning fire run to the Arlene Patterson residence on Maryland Street, in St. Croix Falls, had Fire Chief Dale Anderson concerned because of the below-zero temperatures. Fortunately, no water was needed to put out a furnace fire, which caused the home to fill with smoke. Anderson said the call came at 7:15 a.m., Monday, Feb. 5, and the department was on scene for about an hour removing smoke from the home, putting out the burning wiring to the furnace and cleaning out the chimney. Patterson and her daughter were in the home at the time and were transported for carbon monoxide poisoning treatment. Both have been released and are fine. –Photos by Jon Cermin

St. Croix Falls Rotary Student of the Month

ST. CROIX FALLS –Emily Thayer is the daughter of Mark and Patti Thayer. She is treasurer for both the National Honor Society and student council, is editor of the yearbook, and vice president of SClub. Thayer participates in choir, forensics, gymnastics, softball, cross country, clowns, culture club, FCCLA, drama, and youth service.

In addition, she volunis the St. Croix teers at the Pictured Falls/Taylors Falls Rotary December Cambridge Medical Center, coaches third- Student of the Month and Teacher for and fourth-grade St. Croix Falls High School. (L to R) softball and gymnas- are: Suzanne Imhoff and Emily tics for community Thayer. – submitted education.

Her honors and achievements include being acknowledged as a Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll, and MVP for gymnastics in her junior year and other achievements. Emily plans to go to medical school and study ophthalmology or optometry. Other fields of interest are history and English.

She chose Suzanne Imhoff as Teacher of Month for St. Croix Falls. Imhoff is the art instructor, yearbook advisor, and co-student council advisor for St. Croix Falls High School. – submitted

Wal-Mart donates to Youth in Harmony A Youth in Harmony festival was held at St. Croix Falls High School on Nov. 11, 2006.

Gratitude is extended to the Indianhead Chorus and a $500 gift from the St. Croix Falls Wal-Mart, it truly was a successful event.

The attached picture shows chorus treasurer, Larry Fisk, receiving the $500 check from Sue Demenge, the representative from Wal-Mart. Twenty-five male students attended. Shawn Gudmunsen, choral director at St. Croix Falls High School and Elliot Wold, professor of music emeritis at Univeristy of Wisconsin, River Falls were the clinicians. They did a terrific job with the students. The songs were, in this order: “Sweet and Lovely,” “I Love to Hear That Old Barbershop Style,” “Aura Lee” and “A-Roving.”

Indianhead Chorus members who sang along with the youth included: Karl Wicklund, Ken Mettler, Kent Muschinske, Steve Swenson and Jon Buss. A quartet by the name of CAML – four girls from the Osceola High School sang as well. Registered Harmony, a local quartet from the Indianhead Chorus, performed followed by the headliners, Youth in Harmony. Many compliments about the show and the whole program were received. "I believe this is a great program to build future barbershop singers and I feel privileged to be a part of the project. We want to encourage more people to attend next year's performance," said Jon Buss, Youth In Harmony director at the Indianhead Chorus. Quartets from the Indianhead Chorus will be glad to sing to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. For more information about having a quartet sing for you call 715483-9202 or e-mail Kbmett@hotmail.com - Photo submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

The view from H ere So long, Ms. Molly

Molly Ivins sure could shake things up.

She was a hellraiser in the best sense of the word. She was earthy and irreverent, but above all else, she was unafraid, not cowed by changing political winds or the big boys in Texas and Washington, D.C. Underneath her colloquial vernacular was a big-hearted woman with a will of steel who had a way of getting at the essential truth of an issue with her razor-sharp wit. Her death last week at the age of 62 after a nineyear battle with cancer leaves a big hole in our national conversation.

Ivins authored two unflattering books on George W. Bush, who she referred to as “Shrub.” She and Bush went to crosstown high schools in Houston during the same time period but from that point on, their paths diverged. But even the president had kind words for her after her death, calling her “a Texas original” and lauding her “passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase.”

A Texan by birth, Ivins found her way to Minneapolis in the 1960s where she covered the police beat for the Minneapolis Tribune.

She went on to a bureau-chief job at the New York Times where she worked for six years. In 1982, she returned to Texas and became a columnist for the Dallas Times Herald, where she began showing off her uncanny ability to skewer her targets. “I dearly love the state of Texas, but I consider that a harmless perversion on my part, and discuss it only with consenting adults,” she said in a March 1992 column, and then, 10

years later, “I love Texas, but it is a nasty, old rawhide mother in the way it bears down on people who have the fewest defenses.”

She was known to spend all day at the typewriter polishing a column, writing, editing and rewriting until she hit on a formula for holding reader interest from start to finish. Eventually, she became the most widely syndicated progressive columnist in the U.S. - by 1992, her column was published in over 400 papers nationwide - and she wrote a monthly column for The Progressive magazine.

She became a student of then-Gov. George W. Bush, following his unlikely rise from mediocrity and failed business ventures to the presidency. In the years leading up to the 2000 election, she co-wrote “Shrub: The Short But Happy Political Life of George W. Bush” with Lou Dubose.

Foreshadowing the Bush presidency, the authors wrote, “The puzzle of Bush is why someone with so little interest in or attention for policy, for making government work, would want the job of president, or even governor.” Noting that while his campaign speeches dealt with the “entertainment issues” of “God, guns, and gays,” Bush, they wrote, is a “wholly owned subsidiary of corporate America.” They went on to point out that under GW’s guidance, Texas dropped to the bottom tier of states in a number of categories including poverty, health insurance for children and pollution.

Answering to charges early in his presi-

dency that some on the left were “Bush haters,” Ivins wrote in The Progressive, “Robert Novak [sydicated columnist] and Charles Krauthammer [editor at the New Republic] both claim to have never seen anything like the detestation of Bush. . . .

I stretch memory way Steve so far back, all the Pearson back, way back to—our last president. Almost lost in the mists of time though it is, I not only remember eight years of relentless attacks from Clintonhaters, I also notice they haven’t let up yet.”

Like an oracle, Ivins was able to anticipate what loomed on the horizon for our country and the Bush presidency even before 9/11. “Maybe we should add a rule that we can’t invade any country the president can’t pronounce,” she wrote in The Progressive in June of 2001. The following December, she would write, “It’s hard to convince people you are bombing that you’re doing it for their own good.”

In the leadup to the Iraq invasion, she said, “I assume we can defeat Hussein without great cost to our side. The problem is what happens after we win. The country is 20 percent Kurd, 20 percent Sunni and 60 percent Shiite. Can you say, ‘Horrible threeway civil war?’” Two months after Bush declared “Mission accomplished” in April of 2003, she wrote, “We knew going in this was going to be the peace from hell, and so far the administration has made every misstep possible.”

Later that year, she said, “I opposed the war in Iraq because I thought it would lead

to the peace from hell, but I’d rather not see my prediction come true and I don’t think we have much time left to avert it. That the occupation is not going well is apparent to everyone but Donald Rumsfeld. ... We don’t need people with credentials as right-wing ideologues and corporate privatizers — we need people who know how to fix water and power plants.”

In December of 2006, weary of making her point over and over, usually well-ahead of the curve, she wrote once more in The Progressive magazine, “The self-important chattering class of Washington insists that you only have credibility as a critic of the war if you were for it in the first place. I’m missing a logical link here.”

Ivins maintained a self-deprecating sense of humor about her illness. Writing in The Progressive in 1999, she said, “I just finished with nine months of treatment for cancer.

First they poison you, then they mutilate you, then they burn you. I’ve had more fun.

And when it’s over, you’re so glad that you’re grateful to absolutely everyone.

And I am. The trouble is, I’m not a better person.”

In January, despite feeling the ravages of cancer and knowing the end was near, she knocked off one final column. “We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders,” she wrote. “And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we’re for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush’s proposed surge. We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, ‘Stop it, now!’”

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Free dental care

Four-year-old Casandra Thielman, Webster, showed her teeth, or lack of them, as she sat in the dental chair for a cleaning, X-ray, fluoride treatment and examination of her teeth during free dental care day at Siren Dental Clinic Friday, Feb. 2. “We’re going to put tooth vitamins on, raspberry-flavored, OK?” asked dental assistant Marie Robinson. - Photos by Nancy Jappe UPPER LEFT - For the fourth year in a row, the Siren Dental Clinic has offered one day of free dental care to children referred by the schools, public health and other local sources. The staff at the clinic provided this care from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, with a half hour off for lunch. In this photo, Dr. Sheldon Olesen (R) and dental assistant Cheryl Chelmo took care of a filling that was bothering Joshua Foltz from Chippewa Falls.

LEFT - Kareem Maurice Wallace, a native of Chicago, listened carefully to a consultation about his teeth given by Susan Powers, a dental hygienist at Siren Dental Clinic Friday, Feb. 2, the day that the clinic provided free dental care to young people who needed care. “We enjoy doing this. We took care of 21 kids today,” commented Sharon D’Jock, the day’s coordinator.

State of the State Address Fresh from his re-election, Gov. Jim Doyle presented an ambitious agenda in his State of the State address. He presented initiatives that seemed to offer something for everyone, including subsidized health care for nearly all, reduced tuition for students and families, and an aggressive campaign against tobacco.

Proposals included: • Supplying reinsurance protection to lower health care premiums for small businesses.

• Subsidizing health insurance for all children regardless of family income status.

• $80 million in new funding to promote and advance renewable fuel in Wisconsin.

Sheila • Increasing the Harsdorf cigarette tax by $1.25 a pack while banning smoking statewide in public places.

• Investing $225 million more in our university system, while promising today’s eighth-graders financial aid if

they take part in a “Wisconsin Covenant” – an agreement to hold a “B” average, stay in school, and stay out of trouble.

• Campaign finance reform that requires full disclosure of issue advocacy ads.

These proposals come at a time when the state has a $1.6 billion budget shortfall. I believe it is important that before we make new promises, Wisconsin balances its budget honestly and meets its current commitments.

Absent from the governor’s address was mention of protecting property taxpayers. After repeatedly vetoing a property tax freeze before finally signing a watered-down freeze last year, I

am hopeful that the governor has not abandoned property taxpayers. With the property tax freeze due to expire this year, it is critical that property tax relief remains on the front burner.

In the coming weeks, we will learn more about the governor’s plans to pay for his proposals. In his first address four years ago, I commended Gov. Doyle when he said “. . . we can’t do everything, and in truth, it means we can’t do a lot of things we should do.” It was a sober view of our need to put fiscal responsibility first. I am hopeful that as we plan for the future, we make putting our fiscal house in order and lowering Wisconsin’s tax burden priorities.

Marketing proposal to chamber

Steve Holewa from YESS! Companies is in charge of Web site development, setting up a Siren Web site as a business tool that will provide a link to tourism and the chamber. Holewa, Swanson and Carlson from YESS! Companies will be in Siren on Thursdays, on an alternating schedule, to work with local businesses on their proposed marketing programs.

Mina Carlson, president of YESS! Companies, the marketing firm hired to position the Siren area as a tourist destination, led an update session for Siren Area Chamber members at The Lodge at Crooked Lake Thursday, Feb. 1. “A lot of good has been going on. We have really been working very hard with the Siren Tourism Commission, the chamber and the State of Wisconsin Tourism Department trying to sell Siren as a destination,” Carlson said, mentioning contact with over 137 media outlets.

Sandy Swanson, the public relations director for YESS! Companies, was one of the presenters at a tourism update session at The Lodge at Crooked Lake Thursday, Feb. 1. One item the presenters mentioned was that they are trying to bring writers to western Wisconsin, using Siren as the host community to make that happen.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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Burgin addresses charter-school kickoff

by Carl Heidel GRANTSBURG – Grantsburg schools Superintendent Joni Burgin spoke at the Jan. 31 kickoff in Milwaukee, as the Insight School of Wisconsin was opened. Because the school will operate under the auspices of the Grantsburg Schools, Burgin talked about the Grantsburg experience with virtual learning, and shared her vision of such teaching methods in general.

Following are excerpts from her comments: "We’re dedicated to equipping our students by providing them with as many opportunities as possible," she said, speaking of Grantsburg's educational philosophy.

She shared her school's feelings about the new school, "We are excited about this endeavor and believe it is product of our innovation efforts."

Burgin spoke of the development of the Grantsburg Virtual School. "In order to realize the goal of educating every student in the district, especially those that were home-schooled or credit deficient, we needed to create an alternative mode of learning. We felt that online learning would fulfill this need because

Internet technologies provide powerful learning options for students ...

Grantsburg Virtual School, our online charter school, opened in the fall of 2004. The results have been amazing and rewarding, with students from other parts of the state enrolling in our online program.” She continued, "Our charter school has now been running successfully for the past three years. As a result, our students have had access to cutting-edge learning opportunities not otherwise available. Grantsburg School District has become the leader in the northwest region of the state in virtual education!"

Burgin addressed the issue of the new technologies in education. "The importance of online learning and multimedia technologies has been greatly understated. It’s much more than a fad, a trend or a supplement to traditional learning. In fact, most of today’s students are digital natives who have grown up with the Internet. Technology-assisted learning feels more natural to them than lectures and stuffing handouts into folders...

Multimedia is very important in the lives of the young people. The world our students live in is much more

graphic— verbal, aural and visual.

Insight Schools of Wisconsin will serve students through the tools of the Internet and multimedia. Insight School of Wisconsin will help empower the young people of Wisconsin who will live all their lives in a media-rich world.

"It isn’t only about putting course material online," she said. "It’s about building a complete learning environment, with an emphasis on personalized learning and mentorship."

"With the information age and knowledge explosion," Burgin continued, "students need to know how to find and then manage the information needed at a particular time for a particular task.

Instead of the "sage on the stage," teachers are becoming a "guide on the side" encouraging ... guiding ... mentoring ... supporting the learning process. This type of learning can engage students in ways that traditional approaches cannot."

Burgin pointed out the results of Grantsburg's innovation in online learning. "GVS is one of the few schools in the state to offer a full online diploma.

GVS has been a key part of the growth and development of online learning in

the state of Wisconsin."

In speaking of the partnership with Insight Schools, Burgin said, "We are pleased to announce that Insight Schools National has partnered with Grantsburg to create Insight Schools of Wisconsin...By this we are extending our excellent program statewide to provide more public-school options to Wisconsin youth...As a result of this partnership, students across Wisconsin will have access to a tuition-free, online public high school called ‘The Insight School of Wisconsin.’"

Burgin also announced that Grantsburg High School Principal Jeff Bush will be the executive director of the Insight School of Wisconsin.

Burgin concluded her comments with an observation about the present state of education. "This is an exciting time to be an educator; while the challenges students and families face are ever more complex, the opportunities we can make available to them are expanding at an even greater rate. This moment is exciting for us as we expand our charter school to new territory."

New online high school opens its virtual doors statewide for 2007-08 GRANTSBURG - The Insight School of Wisconsin was launched today at an event that featured a wide array of voices – from parents and teachers, to Insight's CEO and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Insight School of Wisconsin is raising the bar for online education, combining technology tools with a unique “iMentoring” program, face-to-face meeting places and dualcredit classes with the University of Phoenix.

Insight School of Wisconsin is a statewide, full-time, diploma-granting online public high school created to give students the greatest opportunities for success. Prospective students include those whose needs may not be well served in a traditional school setting: advanced learners; home-schooled students; full-time wage earners; students with health or physical challenges; and

those who may have struggled socially in a traditional school. To ensure accessibility to students across the state, the school will provide a free laptop, printer and internet stipend to enrolled students.

A recent PEW study shows that 20 percent of Wisconsin students will leave high school without a diploma. The face of dropouts is changing – a Gates Foundation study revealed many students drop out with passing grades.

Additionally, the Gates study concluded that students can be motivated to learn, want an environment that suits them, and learn better when they are personally engaged. The veteran team launching Insight School of Wisconsin has a proven track record of keeping kids engaged with their education. They've designed, built and operated online high schools that have now educated

nearly 1 million students.

"There is a tremendous level of human passion and interaction behind our online high schools," said Insight School CEO Keith Oelrich. "This isn't about making coursework available online, it's about equipping kids with everything they need to succeed in high school, and beyond."

The school will be based in Grantsburg where pioneers in online learning established the Grantsburg Virtual School. Insight School of Wisconsin will expand upon that program and be overseen by the Grantsburg School District.

Joni Burgen, Superintendent of Grantsburg School District said, "Insight School of Wisconsin will feature a teacher/student ratio of 1:21, over 140 courses to choose from, flexibility to complete schooling around a job, athlet-

ic training or family commitment and perhaps most importantly – a level of personalized mentoring that is unheard of in online education." – with information from PRNewswire About Insight School of Wisconsin: High school Students from around the state of Wisconsin are eligible to enroll, tuition-free. The school is made possible through partnership between Insight Schools, Inc. and the Grantsburg School District. For more information, call 866800-0027.

Information sessions for parents and students will be held throughout the state between Feb. 5 and 23 as part of the state's open-enrollment period.

Session specifics may be found at http://www.insightwi.com/. – with information from PRNewswire

Siren’s Acorn Pantry has new owners

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Jake and Holly Mangelsen, Siren, are the new owners of Acorn Pantry, one of The Shops at the Lodge, Siren. The purchase of the business from owners Peggy and Jim Tolbert was finalized at the end of December 2006, and the Mangelsens took over the operation Jan. 2.

“We were running two shops, the Chattering Squirrel Coffee Café and the Acorn Pantry, and they got too big for us to manage both,” Jim Tolbert explained. “We were selling (the Acorn

Pantry) because of success. It was a win-win for both of us.”

Tolbert commented on his and Peggy’s delight in having the Mangelsens as owners of the neighboring business, saying that they are nice people and that the Tolberts have been working closely with them. In fact, Holly and Peggy have already gone to market together.

Jake Mangelsen grew up in Burnett County, and is the son of Hank and Karen Mangelsen. Karen is the Leader’s correspondent for local news from the

towns of Dewey and LaFollette. Jake graduated from Siren High School in 1995.

Holly is a native of Stewartville, Minn., where the family has its permanent home. She and Jake were married in 1998, and have two children, 6-yearold Hannah and 11-month-old Grace.

However, with all of Jake’s family in the Siren area, they have also owned a place here for nearly three years.

“I have always loved kitchenware and cooking,” Holly said, adding that she loved the Acorn Pantry and was a fre-

quent shopper there. “I felt the shop had a big variety of quality products and great prices for a small town. When we saw it was for sale, we felt it was a perfect fit for us.”

Holly will be working part time in the store, which will continue to be managed by Kim Jewell. The remainder of the staff will remain the same.

A grand reopening for the Acorn Pantry will be held Friday-Sunday, Feb. 23-25.

Council makes offer for Maki house; sets date for street projects hearing Candidate list set for spring election

by Gregg Westigard GRANTSBURG - Most of the special Grantsburg Village Council meeting Monday night was devoted to the golf course issues, but the board also moved ahead on two other issues.

The village wants to purchase the Maki-Myers house on North Oak Avenue by the river and add the land to

the village park. The council approved offering the owners $85,000 for the property, a price established by an appraiser. If the offer is accepted, half the cost would be covered by a grant from the DNR. The council also revised plans for the proposed 2007 projects. The Robert Street project would be a rebuild of Robert from Hwy. 70 to Madison Avenue plus work on a section of Burnett Avenue and a new water main on Summit Avenue. The work would

include a replacement of the sewer line, water main, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The other project would involve similar improvements on Broadway from Pine to Robert, Benson from Centennial to Airport Road, and St. George from Brad to Robert.

Estimated costs for the projects will now be prepared and a hearing will take place March 12 on whether to approve the work, and the special assessments needed to pay for the projects.

David Walters has decided not to run

for village president. He was nominated for the office at the caucus Jan. 8. That leaves Mark Dahlberg unopposed for re-election to the post. Running for the three open village council seats are incumbents Roger Panek and Tim Tessman plus Dale Dressel, Dennis Dahl, Craig Bowman and Jeff Finch. The spring election is Tuesday, April 3.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Blizzard hit Spooner along with the chill! the WIAA banned throwing anything on the ice.”

Sears’ family purchased the trophy, which sits in the trophy case of the winning team’s arena for the coming year.

So far, it’s been at home in Siren.

Sears mentioned that one of the players referred to the game as, “… our state championship game.”

Though the Blizzard won their second Northern Cup, the Rails did down them in the playoffs last season in Spooner. This time around, the Blizzard will have the Rails at home for the sectionals on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The Blizzard have struggled at home with a 5-3-1 mark. The winner gets top-seeded Superior on Feb. 15.

The Lodge Center Arena’s small ice sheet has been a factor in the Blizzard’s home struggles since they cannot utilize their speed as easily. Yet, their speed has helped them at larger rinks elsewhere as they’ve posted a 9-2 road record during the regular season.

“They’re pumped about being on the road,” said Sears. “They’re proud of that record.”

They can go for number 10 if they can keep the Rails off course to Superior.

Blizzard come up with overtime goal to win the second Northern Cup game Blizzard 4, Spooner 3, OT

by Matt Blumkin SPOONER – A former Spooner Rail helped the Webster-Siren-FredericLuck-Grantsburg Blizzard capture the Northern Cup for a second time with a 4-3 overtime victory over their rival, Spooner on Friday, Feb. 2.

“What a game,” Blizzard coach Greg Sears had to say.

Sears and senior captain and defenseman Ethan Hayes each played for Spooner back when Spooner had Frederic, Siren and Webster as part of their hockey co-op. They’re the only members of the Blizzard squad remaining from the old co-op.

“I’m glad we could win this one for Ethan, I knew it meant a lot to him,” said Sears. “It was my first win with a different squad in the building I played so many games in, and for it to be in OT was pretty neat. I was real proud of the kids, they really deserved it.”

Hayes, who played two seasons with the Rails, put in a shot from the point in overtime, which Josh Meyer tipped in for the win.

“It seemed like he (Hayes) was going to score and then, we won,” said sophomore defenseman David Harlander.

Meyer also scored a goal on a backhander for the Blizzard during regulation.

The Blizzard had control of the pace throughout the game, but they had moments of letting the Rails back in.

They outshot Spooner 10-0 in the first period, but the Rails only trailed 1-0 after one, and they kept pace with three goals in the remaining periods.

Extra Points Ethan Hayes (No. 21) congratulates Cameron Hughes on goal against Pine City, Minn., Feb. 1. They lost to the Dragons 5-3, but they came back the next day and beat Spooner in overtime, 4-3, for their second Northern Cup win. – Photo by Matt Blumkin “We had a couple of mind goof-ups and let them get behind and they came in and scored,” said Blizzard junior forward Travis Close.

Garrett Bennett and Ben Anderson put in the other goals for the Blizzard.

Cameron Hughes had found Bennett on

a pass, which Bennett scored from on a one-timer.

With the game hanging in the balance, Hayes began to take control during the final period and overtime. That helped the Blizzard over the top to claim the Northern Cup. “I don’t think he took his hands off it (the Northern Cup) the whole way home,” said Sears.

Sears and Rails coach Tom Romportl had talked about having a trophy for the winner of the Blizzard-Rails game since the Blizzard co-op formed. Both men had played together for the Rails in high school when they helped the Rails to a section finals appearance after upsetting Superior in Superior.

“We thought we should play for something, and it was pretty easy to come up with the Northern Cup because I was part of it and he was part of it,” said Sears.

Spooner had been no stranger to special hockey traditions like a fish on ice.

“The tradition was once you scored a goal, somebody tossed fish on the ice,” said Sears.

“We had that for two years, and then, Team Blizzard Spooner

The Webster-Siren-Frederic-Luck-Grantsburg Blizzard celebrate their second Northern Cup win following their 4-3 overtime victory over Spooner on Feb. 2. The winner of the annual Blizzard-Spooner clash gets to keep the Northern Cup for a year. – Photo by Sue Folk

1 1 1

2 1 0

3 1 1

OT 1 2

F 4 2

Scoring First Period – 1, B, Garrett Bennett (Josh Meyer), 10:29.

Second Period – 2, S, Andrew Olson (Dan S.), 6:49.

3, B, Josh Meyer, 7:25. 4, S, Jake Olson (Devon Maki), 10:59.

Third Period – 5, B, Kevin Mossey (Ben Anderson), 7:59. 6, S, David Braun (Travis F.), 9:16.

Overtime – 7, B, Josh Meyer (Ethan Hayes, Travis Close).

Goalies Saves – B, Justin Hughes (14). S, Sykes (35).

••• BEMIDJI, MINN. – Former Webster student Emily Brookshaw rebounded from a subpar performance to give the Bemidji State Beavers a tie on Feb. 3.

Brookshaw had given up four goals in two periods of play for the BSU women’s hockey team as they fell 4-1 at home to Minnesota State-Mankato on Feb. 2 in a key conference matchup.

Yet, she turned things around on Feb. 3 with a 25-save performance and no goals allowed as the Beavers skated away with a 3-3 overtime tie. Backup goalie Jessica Ptachick had started the game for the Beavers and gave up three goals in the first 4:56 minutes of the game. The Beavers dropped out of a fourth-place tie with the Mavericks in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and they’ll have their work cut out for them when they travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Feb. 910. Brookshaw helped the Beavers upset the Gophers once last season, however, in a 2-1 win. – Matt Blumkin ••• MOORHEAD, MINN./ST. PAUL, MINN. – Nancy McConkey, a onetime Webster student, had 12 points for the Bemdji State women’s basketball team despite their 90-68 loss to Concordia-St. Paul on Feb. 3. The Beavers had come off a season-low performance the night before against Minnesota State-Moorhead, where the Beavers lost 69-48. McConkey went scoreless in the game. – Matt Blumkin ••• OSHKOSH/RIVER FALLS – Char Edwards, a former Webster student, had four points and two boards for the UW-Stout women’s basketball team in their loss to UW-River Falls on Jan. 31.

Stout rebounded to win 90-74 over UW-Oshkosh on Feb. 3. Edwards had two points, two boards and two blocks in the game. – Matt Blumkin •••

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m b l u m k i n @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t o r m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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Bjelland banks 1,000 in points Mollie Bjelland proves that having fun can go a long way in high school sports

by Marty Seeger GRANTSBURG — When she’s not striking someone out on the softball field or spiking a ball in the face of opponents on the volleyball court, Mollie Bjelland can be found playing basketball, even though she claims it’s not one of her strongest sports.

“She says it’s her fun sport, and she just really likes to play,” said her father Don Bjelland, who admired the tribute to his daughter during and after the game by family, as well as friends outside of the Grantsburg community.

“You look at the crowd and there is a lot of alumni and players. I seen Katie Weinberg (Saints 1,000-point scorer last season) some Luck players and some Frederic players, so it’s a nice tribute for Mollie.”

Last Thursday, Feb. 1, Bjelland became the fourth Pirate basketball player in Grantsburg history to achieve 1,000 points. In the battle against Siren two days prior, Bjelland scored 22 points, just four points short of the mark, but on Thursday she completed the feat with just under seven minutes to go in the first quarter on a sweet floater from about 12 feet, touching nothing but net.

“I was in awe when they called the timeout, and everyone just stood up and applauded,” Bjelland said. “Talk about feeling out of your place; man, I was pretty nervous.”

After a wave of thanks to the crowd and a few hugs from the players, it was back to business as usual for the Pirates, who bolted out to a 12-4 lead, but Somerset came back quickly, and the Pirates lead diminished just as fast as it

Molly Bjelland regards basketball as a fun sport, and she proves that whenever she’s out on the court, while holding that competetive edge. Photos by Marty Seeger appeared. the way with it tonight,” McKinley said.

“I think it’s that atmosphere that got “We started to figure it out, but with ‘em going because right away they Mollie going into foul trouble and were antsy. They were like come on, things like that, it took a lot of steam out come on, and all of a sudden they were of us.” on cloud nine,” coach Lisa McKinley No matter what the outcome may said on her players first-quarter run have been, it was clear that everyone before and after Bjelland hit 1,000. was there to watch another area athlete But Somerset quickly took over the accomplish something great. lead at halftime 33-29 and held the lead “I’m so happy for her. She has so for the rest of the second half. The much athletic ability that when you ask Pirates did manage to keep the game her to do something she just does it. For within 10, but Somerset’s 6-0 run at the this to be her fun sport and excel so well start of the second half was too much it’s just phenomenal,” said McKinley. for the Pirates to make a comeback.

For Bjelland, basketball means so Midway through the third period, much more than just fun, and she is Bjelland ran into foul trouble, and was quick to point out that her accomplishpulled from the game, but she was back ment in the sport is due to the continuagain in the fourth and steered clear ing support of her team. from her fifth foul until three minutes “I couldn’t have done it without my remained in the fourth period. team. Yeah, it was an accomplishment “I think we were still worn out men- for me, but without my team’s teamtally and physically from Tuesday work in getting me the ball, dishing it night, and mentally we just weren’t all out and rebounding, it wouldn’t have

Coach Lisa McKinley says that Molly Bjelland has a lot of younger kids who look up to her and ask her for help, and Bjelland is always willing to take the time to do so.

“She’s been there for me through thick and thin,” said Molly Bjelland of her teammate Miranda Kammeyer. “I don’t know what I would have done without her these past four years.” Bjelland and Kammeyer had an emotional hug after the game as well as fine words to show her appreciation for a great 2 3 4 1 14 19 17 20 19 10 10 18 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Somerset Alicia Potting 1 1 0/0 0/0 1 0 Mallory Rorabeck 1 0 0/0 Alison Marson Kellie Ring 9 0 4/4 0/0 0 1 Trellany Steinlicht Breanna Krohn 3 0 1/2 Kayla Solum 2 0 3/6 4/5 0 Megan Plourde 9 26 2 12/17 Totals

F 70 57

Team Somerset Grantsburg

One aspect of Molly Bjelland’s ability to achieve on the basketball court is her unselfishness. Bjelland is not one to shoot the ball if another teammate is open. Here she is shown tossing the ball to Vanessa Kleiss.

Grantsburg Abby Vaksdal Miranda Kammeyer Molly Bjelland Megan Finch Ingrid Ames Stephanie Jensen Jade Johnson Vanessa Kleiss Laura Skifstad Totals

2s 2 3 8 2 2 1 0 1 2 21

3s 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

FTM/A 0/0 2/5 4/5 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 1/2 0/0 9/14

F 1 1 3 4 0 2 3 1 15

TP 5 3 2 22 2 7 7 22 70

F TP 2 7 2 8 5 23 2 4 1 6 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 4 15 57

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Vikings stop Saints cold 60-50

Frederic stops St. Croix Falls for the second time this season Frederic 60, St. Croix Falls 50

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The Saints played in one of their best games of the season against Frederic last Friday, Feb. 2, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Vikings from stopping them for the second time this season.

“It was probably one of the better games we played all season,” said Saints coach Angie Maternowsky. “We looked good, definitely in the first half, but in the second half we couldn’t buy a shot, couldn’t buy a rebound.”

In the first half it appeared that the game was destined for overtime, with both teams answering the shots of the other. With the help of Marissa Campeau’s 19 points in the first half, the Saints were able to keep the game close, bringing it to within one at the end of the first, and five at the half. But it was Becca Anderson’s three 3-pointers in the first half, along with Melanie Chenal’s 15 points in the first half that helped the Vikings keep the pace.

“That was big,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink. “Our offense was really clicking in the first half. There’s been Team St. Croix Falls Frederic

1 2 3 4 16 19 12 3 14 17 23 6 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A St. Croix Falls 2s 0/0 0 Meghan Johnson 1 Jenny Benoy 5 0 0/1 0/0 0 Annie Confer 0 7/11 2 Marissa Campeau 5 Kelsey Douglass-White 2 0 3/4 0/0 0 Elle Kaskinen 0 0 0/0 4 Sasha Bryant Totals 17 2 10/16

F 4 2 3 3 4 3 4 23

TP 2 10 0 23 7 0 8 50

FTM/A 4/5 1/3 0/0 2/2 0/0 9/12 0/0 3/5 19/27

F 3 1 0 4 1 1 1 3 14

TP 8 3 2 8 0 18 2 19 60

Frederic Kelly Wondra Erin Schmidt Anna Tesch Ali Lake Kathleen Jerry Becca Anderson Jenny Murphy Melanie Chenal Totals

2s 2 1 1 3 0 0 1 8 16

3s 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3

F 50 60

Marissa Campeau scored 23 points for the Saints, but Frederic kept up the pace. Here Frederic guard Kelly Wondra fouls Campeau in the third quarter, but keeps her from scoring.

Becca Anderson drives the game Friday, Feb. 2. Anderson scored three 3pointers in the first half and 18 total points to help the Vikings to their second win against the Saints this season.- Photos by Marty Seeger games where we haven’t scored 40 baseline jumper, while Melanie Chenal points, so for us to score 40 points in the hit a nice layup on an inbound pass. first half that’s pretty good, we were Kelly Wondra was able to steal the ball pretty excited about that.” and pass it to Becca Anderson who was Things got interesting in the third fouled, but was able to salvage a free when Jenny Benoy hit a big outside throw. jumper, and Meghan Johnson took a big Wondra forced another steal and was steal at midcourt for the easy layup to able to put another two on the board. In put the Saints up by one, forcing Wink a short span the Vikings were able to to take a timeout. With 1:15 left in the score eight unanswered points. Erin third, and the Vikings down three, Schmidt had a big fourth quarter with Anna Tesch hit a layup to bring the four big rebounds in a row to go with 11 Vikings to within one point, but the total on the night. The Vikings held the Saints took a one-point lead into the Saints scoreless in the fourth until 1:32 fourth. remained in the game.

Ali Lake opened up the fourth with a “We’ve probably had two close

games that have come down to fourth quarter decisions, so it’s something we’re not used to,” said Maternowsky.

“At least we’ve gotten it out of the way now so we’re ready for it later on.”

Campeau had one of her best games of the year for the Saints scoring 23, and Jenny Benoy added 10. Sasha Bryant led the team in rebounds with eight.

Chenal led the Vikings with 19 points and Anderson had 18, while shooting nine for 12 from the free-throw line.

“Our defense wasn’t doing so well, but we really clamped down in the second half by only giving up 15 points,” said Wink. “We knew it would be tough, they (Saints) have improved a lot and our defense hopefully now can carry over from that second half.”

Vikings split season wins with the Saints A fourth quarter filled with free throws seals a big conference win for the Vikings Frederic 64, St. Croix Falls 49

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The first battle between Frederic and St. Croix Falls ended in a four-point loss for the Vikings, but this time it was the Vikings who prevailed easily in a big victory last Friday, Feb. 2.

“I didn’t expect that after what we did to Webster,” said Saints coach Todd Anderson. “Give Frederic a lot of credit, they played us pretty tough, we just got a lot of inexperienced guys.”

It was a close, low-scoring battle in the first quarter, but Kyle Swenson ended it nicely with a 3-pointer from the corner to put the Vikings up 10-7.

In the second quarter it was sophomore Zach Anderson who came out firing, dribbling through heavy traffic to draw big fouls, and getting rebounds when they mattered most. Ten of

Anderson’s 18 points came during the second quarter to help the Vikings take a 24-11 lead at the half.

“He gets out and runs the floor well, and if Jake can find him he’s been doing good,” said Frederic coach Ben Anderson. “Jake and Kyle finish some nice transitions when they get out on the floor, and Zach has played a lot more aggressive the last two games in rebounding and defense.”

In the second half, the Saints stepped up the full-court pressure and cut their lead to five, but with the added pressure, the Saints had trouble keeping up with the Vikings added defensive pressure. Two steals by Nolan Neumann and Schmidt, followed by four quick points from Steve Lake in the paint gave Frederic a commanding 42-27 lead going into the third.

“We can’t press,” said Anderson. “I mean we’re fooling ourselves to press that long, so I should have backed it off, but you try the best you can and we’ll give it another day.”

Jacob Larcom led the Saints with 11 points and eight rebounds, and Greg Kadrmas added 10 points.

For the Vikings it was Jake Schmidt who had the big night with 26 points, while shooting 11 of 16 free throws.

Nine of those free throws came in the fourth quarter. As a team the Vikings

shot 19 of 25 from the line.

“When you can shoot that many free throws, and with that well of a percentage, you’re going to close out some games down the stretch and get some points on the board,” said Nelson.

Team St. Croix Falls Frederic

Zach Anderson shoots through the Saints in Friday night’s game. - Photo

by Marty Seeger

1 2 3 4 4 16 22 7 10 14 18 22 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls 2s 3s FTM/A Jacob Larcom 3 0 4/6 Daniel Roach 2 0 0/0 Trygve Chinander 2 0 4/5 Sam Schmidt 0 1 0/0 Allastant Knuckles 1 0 2/2 Charles Schmidt 0 0 0/1 Eric Thorstad 0 0 0/0 David Lund 2 0 0/0 Francis Fossum 2 0 1/2 Dan Harrington 0 0 0/0 Greg Kadrmas 0 1 7/12 Totals 12 2 18/28

F 1 1 1 2 3 5 1 3 1 2 2 22

TP 10 4 8 3 4 1 0 4 5 0 10 49

Frederic Steve Lake Nolan Neumann Jake Schmidt Ben G. Anderson Zach Anderson Kyle Swenson Josh Nelson Kanan Hackett Totals

F 5 1 2 2 2 4 2 1 19

TP 6 0 26 7 18 7 0 0 64

2s 2 0 6 1 7 2 0 0 18

3s 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

FTM/A 2/2 0/0 11/16 2/2 4/5 0/0 0/0 0/0 19/25

F 49 64

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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Saints take second at conference meet Feb. 10, and matches begin at 10:30 a.m.

Teams taking part in the event include St. Croix Falls, Shell Lake, Turtle Lake and Northwood schools.

Raygor brothers, Castorena, Hoyt, Osborn take first in their respective weight classes

by Marty Seeger CAMERON — As coach Dan Clark predicted earlier, the Shell Lake Lakers would bring a lot of competition to the table in their upcoming tournament schedule. The Saints were using the tournament as a warm-up for the upcoming regional tournament in Unity, which will be held this Saturday, Feb 10.

The strong Lakers team took first in the tournament as a team by a score of 333 to the Saints second-place score of 320.5. The two teams will meet again this weekend in the first of many important tournaments held in the upcoming weeks.

The Saints placed three wrestlers in the top spots including Joe Raygor (145), Dustin Raygor (152), and Shawn Castorena (160). Jake Bruns (112) also did well at the tournament with a second-place finish, while Justin Holmdahl (125) took a second-place finish as well.

Unity’s Devin Hoyt twists an opponent at the Cameron Invite last Saturday, Feb. 3. Hoyt took first place while pinning two wrestlers from Cameron and Cornell-Gilman. — Photos by Larry Samson Hoyt, Osborn, grab first CAMERON — Devin Hoyt (119) added a few more wins to an amazing season at the Cameron tournament last Saturday. Hoyt took two pins over

Saints wrestler Jake Bruns (R) took a second-place finish at the conference meet in Cameron. Here he is shown in a match with Shell Lake’s Alec Hopke (L).

Cameron’s Zac Rivard and Eric Gunderlach of Cornell-Gillman.

Zach Osborn (140) also had a good showing at Cameron with a first-place finish, pinning Shell Lake’s Michael Johnson, while taking a win by decision over Josh Malsom of Cameron.

Unity will be host to the regional tournament this weekend on Saturday,

Luck wrestles hard at Cameron CAMERON — The Luck/Grantsburg/Frederic team is looking to shut out wrestlers that have defeated them earlier in the season, according to wrestling coach Chris Bartlett.

The team wrestled at the conference meet in Cameron with only six wrestlers but, despite the low numbers, the team has remained focused on the tasks at hand.

“Everybody has wrestled hard.

Nobody has shut it down for the rest of the season,” said coach Bartlett. “All of them are still upset when they lose and know they can do better.”

Bartlett said that Travis Rikkola (112) wrestled well and made one mistake in the wrestle back that would have landed him a higher place than sixth. Two other wrestlers, Mike Skow (103) and Russel Harr (189) also took sixth. Harr injured a knee in one of the matches and decided not to risk it on the next match, but he will be back again for the regional meet. Dylan Gaffney (135) did not place in Cameron, but is wrestling hard. Gaffney has had to move down considerably in his weight class from 152 to 135 pounds.

Luck is hosting the regional tournament at the Frederic High School this

Unity’s Tim Reed took fifth place at Cameron here he is shown wrestling Drew Knoop of Shell Lake, who defeated Reed by pin in the semifinal round.

St. Croix Falls shocks Tigers at “the Jungle”!

Dan Roach scores 14 in Saints upset St. Croix Falls 41, Webster 40

by Matt Blumkin WEBSTER – It’s not a biologically accurate fact that tigers dread roaches, but St. Croix Falls’ upset of Webster could challenge that metaphorically.

Saints guard Dan Roach scored 14 points as the Saints stunned the Tigers (14-2, 7-2) in their home gym on Tuesday, Feb. 6. It came a week following their near upset at SCF in a 44-42 loss.

“They learned a lot from the close game we had against Webster last week and built from it,” said Saints assistant coach Jason Loney.

The Saints held Paul Olesen to five points down low, but the Tigers did have success on the boards. They also held Brian Thill to one basket in the final quarter despite giving up 15 points

to him.

“All the kids took a stand on defense and we were able to stop their penetration better than we have,” said Loney.

“They dominated us on the boards throughout the game, but we came up with some huge rebounds down the stretch when we needed them.”

Greg Kadramas stepped up in the post for the Saints during the final quarter. Kadramas scored all of his five points in the quarter as the Saints outscored the Tigers 10-7 in the final frame.

“Kadrmas was able to hit the big shot down the stretch tonight, when we couldn’t find a way to convert in the last few seconds just last week,” said Loney.

Saints post player David Lund also established himself inside with seven points.

Trygve Chinander nailed a three in the fourth quarter, which also helped the Saints’ upset bid. Chinander had nine points in the game following up his 14 point-performance in SCF the

week before.

With the upset, the Saints improve to 5-10 overall and 3-6 in the conference.

Next on Friday, Feb. 10, they host the Pirates, who have lost six of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the loss drops Webster to 7-2 in the conference after a 12-game tear, which puts them behind first-placee Luck (11-3, 8-1). The Cardinals have St. Croix Falls and Unity 1 2 3 4 13 12 10 6 4 17 12 7 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls 2s 3s FTM/A Jacob Larcom 1 0 2/2 0/0 2 4 Daniel Roach Trygve Chinander 3 1 0/0 Allastant Nuckles 0 0 0/0 1/2 0 3 David Lund Francis Fossum 0 0 0/0 Greg Kadramas 2 0 1/2 4/6 3 14 Totals

F TP 5 4 3 14 2 9 1 0 2 7 2 0 2 5 18 41

Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs Nick Wolfe Paul Olesen Brian Thill Kevin Ingalls Totals

F TP 0 2 1 9 1 0 3 5 3 15 1 4 11 40

Team St. Croix Falls Webster

Saints guard Dan Roach at Frederic on Feb. 3. Roach put in 14 points as the Saints beat the Tigers in Webster.

– Photo by Marty Seeger

2s 1 1 0 2 4 2 12

3s 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

FTM/A 0/0 4/7 0/0 1/3 4/6 0/0 10/16

F 41 40

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Eagles fly away from Bears on Tuesday James Coen scores 15 as Eagles win at home against Clayton

Somerset 47, Grantsburg 41 SOMERSET – Shawn Pavlik lit it up for the Pirates from long range, but the Pirates came away short in Somerset on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

Pavlik knocked down four threepointers as he scored 16 points. Jason Jensen added nine for the Pirates.

They have now lost six of their last eight games since starting the season 42 overall. They’ll have another test coming up on Feb. 9 with an upstart St. Croix Falls team fresh off an upset over Webster on Feb. 6.

Unity 45, Clayton 42

by Matt Blumkin BALSAM LAKE – Whether Chicago or Clayton, this week has not been a happy one for Bears fans.

The Unity Eagles inked out a win over the Central Lakeland’s third-place team in a 45-42 effort on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

James Coen led the charge for the Eagles with 15 points, and Justin Bader put in eight points. Ryan Flaherty helped out down the stretch with six points in the fourth quarter including 44 free-throw shooting. Those efforts helped make up for the absence of three starters in the game.

The Eagles rebounded from their conference home loss to Webster on Friday, Feb. 2, as they improve to 12-4 overall on the season. The win could also help their regional seeding.

Team Clayton Unity

1 2 3 4 7 12 4 6 0 10 11 7 Individual Statistics Clayton 2s 3s FTM/A A.J. Lindsey 0 0 0/0 0 2/3 Derek Stesniak 2 Corey Chilson 2 0 1/2 Derek Effertz 2 4 0/0 0 4/4 Ryan Zemke 3 Jordan Anderson 1 1 0/0 Totals 10 5 7/9

F 1 1 4 0 4 4 14

Unity Chad Strilzuk Tim Lehner Sam Bengston Justin Bader Ryan Flaherty James Coen Lance Peper Totals

FTM/A 0/1 0/0 0/0 0/2 4/4 0/0 3/5 7/12

F TP 2 6 0 5 1 0 3 8 3 6 2 15 1 5 12 45

1 2 3 4 15 15 17 14 13 10 12 9 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A 0 0 0/0 2 0 0/1 1 1 0/0 2 0 3/4 0 0 0/0 6 1 3/3 0 1/2 1 0 1 0/0 14 3 7/10

F 61 44

Team Pine City, Minn.

Siren Siren John Anderson Keith Cremin Jordan Potvin Derek D’Jock Travis Freese Adam Daniels Blake Hall Ryan Keith Totals

2s 3 1 0 4 1 6 1 16

3s 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2

Cumberland 48, Luck 43 CUMBERLAND – The Cards win total did not grow in Cumberland on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

Brock and Brady Grewe of the Beavers each hit double figures for the Beavers in the win. Brennan Olson led the Cards in scoring with 10 points.

They host Frederic next on Feb. 8.

Team Grantsburg Somerset

1 2 3 4 6 15 12 8 12 16 10 9 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Grantsburg 0 0 0/0 Brenton Thompson 1 1 0/0 Kevin Johnson Ben Larson 1 1 0/0 0 0 0/0 Tim Josephson 4 0 1/4 Jason Jensen Trent Bonneville 3 0 0/0 Totals 10 6 3/6

F 29 28 TP 0 6 5 16 10 5 42

F TP 1 0 2 4 2 5 4 7 2 0 4 18 0 3 2 3 19 44

Somerset Sullivan Wenzel Germain Moulton Geurkink Witzmann Totals

Unity’s James Coen going for Brian Gibbs of Webster as he goes for the basket. Coen scored 15 for the Eagles in their victory over Clayton on Tuesday, Feb. 6. – Photo by Matt Blumkin They have over a week off before fallen victim to Pine City this season playing at Grantsburg on Feb. 15. The before. The Pirates lost to Pine City 63Eagles edged the Pirates in their previ- 49 on Jan. 15, and the Panthers came up ous meeting this season. short on Feb. 2 in a 71-68 loss.

Adam Daniels had 18 points for Siren, Pine City, Minn. 61, Siren 44 and Derek D’Jock had five points in the SIREN – A fourth-straight loss came first quarter before cooling off to end the Siren Dragons way as the Pine City, with seven points for the game. The Minn. Dragons feasted on another Dragons travel to Webster next on cross-border opponent.

Friday, Feb. 9.

Grantsburg and Ellsworth have both

2s 0 3 0 0 2 8 13

3s 1 1 0 2 0 0 4

FTM/A 0/0 1/2 0/0 2/2 0/0 3/5 9/13

F 41 47 F TP 1 0 1 5 4 5 4 0 3 9 2 6 16 41 F 2 2 1 1 0 4 10

TP 3 10 0 8 4 19 47

2 3 4 1 11 11 13 8 15 17 8 8 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A Brennan Olson 5 0 0/0 0/0 0 Mike Christensen 1 Harlan Opitz 1 0 0/0 Travis Pilz 2 0 3/3 1 0/0 2 Cody Richert 0 2 3/3 Mitchell Klatt Tyler Peterson 3 0 0/0 14 3 6/6 Totals

F 43 48 F TP 5 10 2 2 4 2 5 7 4 7 2 9 3 6 25 43

Cumberland Molls Baker Weltzin Brock Grewe Brady Grewe Broome Mathison Totals

F 0 3 5 3 2 1 0 14

Team Luck Cumberland

2s 1 1 1 3 4 1 3 14

3s 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

FTM/A 0/0 2/4 4/4 4/10 4/4 1/2 0/0 15/24

TP 2 4 9 10 12 3 6 48

St. Croix Falls to remember glory of 1992 1992 Saints state championship team to be honored

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – Fifteen years ago, St. Croix Falls boys basketball put together a legendary run in a legendary way.

Jeff Anderson, a member of SCF’s 1992 state championship team, described it as, “a movie script, but we actually got to live it.”

They went unbeaten and took the WIAA Division 3 state title with a buzzer-beating shot, and they’ll will be honored again at halftime of the SaintsPirates game on Friday, Feb. 9.

“It was one of the most incredible and memorable moments of my life,” said Anderson.

All but one player from the team will be present for the halftime ceremony and reception to follow at the American Legion Hall. Ron Greenquist, the coach of the team, will also be present.

The Saints went 27-0 in 1991-92 with a 14-0 conference record to win the old Upper St. Croix Valley Conference.

The 1992 St. Croix Falls boys basketball team, which went 27-0 and won the state title, will be honored for the 15th anniversary of their acheivement at halftime of the Grantsburg-SCF boys basketball game on Friday, Feb. 9.

FRONT (L to R): Tyler Voss, Jake Riegel , Tim North, Tory Greenquist, Brett Brown, Brian Lund, Brian Stensven, David Johnson and Brady Voss. BACK (L to R): Coach Ron Greenquist, Jon Boyken, Ryan Hansen, Jeff Anderson, Jeff Johnson, Brent McCurdy, Mark Jensen, Ryan Jamieson, Assistant Coach Don Stahl and Assistant Coach Todd Voss. – Photo courtesy of Brent McCurdy Their closest game came in a 74-73 double-overtime victory at Webster during the season.

“I should have also been aware of Webster but didn’t realize that we were taking them rather lightly,” said former

Saints assistant coach Don Stahl. “We squeeked that one out in double overtime.”

They stormed most of their competition during the season, but they came up with clutch wins in the end. The Saints beat Elk Mound in the section finals, 53-49 as the Mounders surprised the Saints with a tough game. OsseoFairchild had a lead on the Saints late in the fourth quarter of the state semifinals, but they rallied with an 8-0 run to win, 80-75.

Then came perhaps the most memoriable moment of all, “the shot.” The Saints and Columbus Cardinals duked it out into two overtimes before Brett Brown hit a half-court shot to give the Saints their second state title. The previous one came in 1950.

They won the game 75-72 in a game that high school basketball fans across the state still remember. McCurdy mentioned that the WIAA had a clip of Brown’s shot five years ago in a TV ad promoting the state tournament.

The memories will continue on Feb. 9.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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Frederic takes Turtle Lake twice

Frederic prevails, while other teams struggle Frederic 51, Turtle Lake 42

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The Frederic girls gave their parents a night to remember Tuesday, Feb. 6, with their nonconference win over Turtle Lake. The Vikings are now 12-6 overall and have two conference matchups between Luck and Webster before the playoff rally begins.

Ali Lake was the leader in points for the Vikings with 16, with Becca Anderson adding 11 points to the total.

The Vikings took a one-point lead at halftime, but stretched the lead in the third period with good position defense according to coach Troy Wink. It was turnovers and free throws that sealed the deal in the end.

The team shot well from the line going 15 of 24, with eight of them coming in the fourth period.

“Nice win, the whole team played hard and played well,” said Wink.

Osceola 59, Grantsburg 42 FREDERIC — The Pirates lost their second nonconference game in a row to Osceola Tuesday, Feb 6, but both losses will test the team well as they inch toward the playoffs. Osceola and Somerset are two dominating teams, and have been playing well this season.

Coach Lisa McKinley said earlier that she was glad to be playing two very tough teams down the stretch before moving on into the rest of the season.

Mollie Bjelland scored 21 points on the night in her third straight game of 20 points or more. Megan Finch and Miranda Kammeyer added six points apiece, and Laura Skifstad contributed three points.

Grantsburg will host Shell Lake this Thursday, Feb. 8, and travel to St. Croix Falls on Friday, Feb. 9.

Sarah Peterson was fouled during the third period but couldn’t get either free throws to follow. The Northwood defense was a major force in their win Tuesday night. - Photos by Marty Seeger

Luck Junior Megan Hacker tries to keep the ball in play during the second quarter of Tuesday night’s game against Northwood.

Siren 59, Luck 17 SIREN — The Dragons took a 15-2 lead after the first period on Friday, Feb. 2, and didn’t look back against the Cardinals.

Janey Emery and Caitlin Flanigan led the Dragons in scoring with 12, and Lauren Howe, Alysha Alden and Brynn McBroom contributed five to the mix.

For the Cardinals it was Brittney Danielson who led the team with nine points, while Megan Hacker contributed four. The team shot a good free-throw percentage going 7 of 10 from the line.

Northwood 50, Luck 11 LUCK — The Cardinals kept up the pace with Northwood on Tuesday, Feb. 6, by holding the Evergreens to 16 points in the first half. It didn’t last long as Luck went scoreless in the third period, and Northwood started hitting from the outside.

Melanie Chenal and Elle Kaskinen

Team Grantsburg Osceola

Jenny Murphy drives past Jenny Benoy in their win over St. Croix Falls last Friday, Feb. 2. Murphy had two points in the game, and Benoy contributed 10 for the Saints.

Team Luck Siren

1 2 3 4 17 8 16 10 6 6 8 14 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A 2s Luck Brennan Olson 8 0 1/1 Mike Christensen 2 0 0/0 Harlan Opitz 1 0 0/0 Travis Pilz 4 0 5/10 Cody Richert 2 1 4/4 0 0 0/0 Mitchell Klatt Tyler Peterson 0 0 2/2 Adam Wallin 0 0 0/0 17 1 12/17 Totals

F 1 0 2 2 2 1 0 2 10

TP 17 4 2 13 13 0 2 0 51

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 1/2 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/1 0/0 3/4

F 0 1 1 2 1 3 4 3 15

TP 6 0 1 0 14 0 13 0 34

Siren John Anderson Bobby Smith Jordan Decorah Ryan Keith Adam Daniels Keith Cremin Derek D’Jock Blake Hall Totals

2s 0 0 0 0 5 0 6 0 11

3s 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

F 51 34

1 2 3 4 2 9 4 2 15 18 11 15 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A Britta Giller 0 0 0/0 Megan Hacker 1 0 2/2 0/0 0 1 Sarah Petersen Krystal Stage 0 0 0/0 Chelsea Rasmussen 0 0 0/0 5/6 0 2 Brittney Danielson Taryn Pilz 1 0 0/2 Totals 5 0 7/10

F 17 59 F TP 3 0 1 4 3 2 1 0 2 0 3 9 4 2 17 17

Siren Lauren Howe Jennifer Mitchell Caitlin Flanigan Courtney Daniels Jena Coyour Alysha Alden Janey Emery Brittany Jaskolka Brynn McBroom Kim Lindberg Amanda Peterson Lynn Renberg Totals

F 0 4 0 3 1 0 3 0 1 2 0 0 14

Team Luck Siren

2s 2 1 3 0 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 18

3s 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 1/1 2/6 0/0 0/0 1/2 1/2 8/9 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 14/21

TP 5 4 12 0 3 5 12 4 5 2 5 2 59

1 2 3 4 15 7 15 17 6 12 17 5 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A 2/2 2 0 Miranda Kammeyer Mollie Bjelland 6 2 3/5 Megan Finch 3 0 0/0 0/0 Ingrid Ames 1 0 Stephanie Jensen 1 0 0/0 Vanessa Kleiss 0 0 0/0 Lindsey Hedlund 1 0 0/0 Laura Skifstad 1 0 1/2 Totals 15 2 6/9

F 54 40 F TP 1 6 2 21 1 6 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 3 10 42

1 2 3 4 8 12 4 18 9 12 14 16 Individual Statistics Turtle Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Heather Peterson 0 0 0/0 Holly Raffesberger 0 0 2/4 Brittnay Graber 1 0 4/8 Emma Molls 3 1 0/0 Courtney Colbum 1 0 2/2 Kris Wick 4 0 4/5 Kayla Scheps 3 1 0/1 Totals 12 2 12/20

F 42 51 F TP 3 0 0 2 3 6 4 9 1 4 3 12 4 9 18 42

Frederic Ann Nelson Kelly Wondra Erin Schmidt Anna Tesch Ali Lake Kathleen Jerry Becca Anderson Lisa Chelmo Jenny Murphy Melanie Chenal Totals

F 2 0 2 2 3 3 2 1 4 4 23

Team Turtle Lake Frederic

2s 0 0 2 1 7 0 1 1 1 2 15

3s 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

FTM/A 0/0 2/6 2/2 0/0 2/2 0/0 6/8 0/2 0/0 3/4 15/24

TP 0 2 6 2 16 3 11 2 2 7 51

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Tigers rebound from scare at SCF layup following an offensive rebound, which whittled the lead down to eight, 38-46.

Then, the Tigers took control of the possession with Gibbs driving and getting fouled. He missed at the line, but the Tigers retained possession and held possession for around a minute.

Kevin Ingalls later scored down low while the Eagles rushed on offense as the Tigers secured a road win over an Eagles team that threatened to compete for the conference title. The black and orange also roared their way to a 12thconsecutive victory.

Unity, with their third conference loss, would need the Tigers to lose their remaining conference games while they run the table. In addition, they would need the Cards to drop at least one game besides pulling off a win over the Cards on Feb. 23.

Webster dominates inside game to win over Eagles Webster 54, Unity 40

by Matt Blumkin BALSAM LAKE – After a near upset on Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Tigers made a different tale against the Unity Eagles on Feb. 2.

“I think we picked up our game from the St. Croix game, playing more intense on defense,” said Tigers guard Brian Gibbs who also added, “we got more open looks on offense and Thill’s driving ability.”

They had found themselves down 8-0 against St. Croix Falls on the road and still trailed by halftime. However, they dug themselves out in the second half and squeaked by, 44-42. Only roaring Tigers showed up the following Friday against Unity.

“You can’t start out that bad and expect to be in it in the first half,” said Tigers coach Randy Hedrick. “We just turned it up on the defensive end in the second half.”

They turned it up more on Friday as they started quickly with a three right off the bat, and they quickly built a 13-3 lead. Yet, the Eagles didn’t get too ruffled as Justin Bader drove for a layup early in the second quarter to break a 30 Tiger run, and Chris Bugg got a layup and drew a foul to cut the lead to nine, 18-9.

Team Webster Unity

Paul Olesen nabs a big board during their game against Unity last Friday, Feb. 2. Unity’s Justin Bader is in the background.- Photos by Matt Blumkin Defensively, the Eagles didn’t have during the quarter, the Eagles could not an answer for post players Paul Olesen close down the lead below 10 points. and Brian Thill. Both slashed inside and Thill found a couple more inside scored frequently for the Tigers. looks against the Eagles in the final Thill scored seven points early in the quarter, but the Eagles began to rally. third to keep the Tigers’ lead cushMatt Goulet got inside to score two ioned. Despite a pair of threes by Bugg for the Eagles, and then Bugg put in a

Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs A.J. Holmquist Paul Olesen Brian Thill Alex Main Kevin Ingalls Totals

1 2 3 4 15 17 15 7 5 6 12 17 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A 0 0 0/0 0 1 1/4 0 0/2 1 0 4/6 2 10 1 2/6 0 0/0 1 1/2 0 6 20 2 8/20

Unity Chris Bugg Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Matt Goulet Ryan Flaherty Merrill Leoso James Coen Totals

2s 5 0 1 5 1 0 0 12

3s 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 0/1 3/4 2/3 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 7/10

F 54 40 F 2 1 0 4 0 1 4 12

TP 0 4 2 8 25 2 13 54

F 4 3 4 4 2 2 1 20

TP 19 3 4 10 4 0 0 40

Eagles notch third win of the season!

Eagles defense develops transition game to pull away from Tigers Unity 31, Webster 17

by Matt Blumkin BALSAM LAKE – They’re ranked 33rd in defense in Division 3 for a reason.

The Eagles held the Webster Tigers to 17 points, and they found the offensive production needed to pull off a 31-17 win for their third win of the season on Friday, Feb. 2.

“They’re real coachable,” Eagles coach Chuck Holicky said of his team’s defensive ability. “They spent one year learning what I wanted them to do last year.”

“Briana, Andrea and Cola all played a lot of minutes for me last year,” Holicky added. “And this year, when they came to practice, they said it was so much easier to pick up what we wanted to do because they really understand.”

That understanding has led to more winning as the Eagles have tripled their win total from a one-win season last year.

On Friday night, they played a backand-forth contest through the first quarter with the game tied at six. Yet, they went ahead on an 8-2 run to take control of the game.

They eventually stretched the lead to double digits, 21-10, as Cola Hickethier got going offensively for the Eagles with 10 points. Andrea Thompson also hit double figures for the Eagles with 11.

“Cola hit a lot of those shots when we got inside,” said Holicky, “…it helps us a lot when she puts those in. It opens up

Unity’s Tina Edgell Andrea and other people outside.”

Webster’s Sam Hogle tried to keep her team in the game with her driving to the basket, but she had little success against the Eagles’ interior defense as she mustered six points. No other Tiger had more than six.

The Eagles, on the other hand, got the ball into the post for Hickethier and Tina Edgell. Edgell scored four of her six points in the final quarter to help the Eagles secure the win.

“I thought Tina had one of her better games, and so did Lindsey Turner,” said Holicky.

Turner had several offensive rebounds along with four points in the

Beth Baer (middle right) stretches for the ball with Katie Thill (middle left) during their game against Unity. game.

“Our big thing is we haven’t been boarding well, and I think we’ve boarded much better tonight than we have in our last two games,” said Holicky.

With losses to St. Croix Falls and Unity in the past week, the Tigers found themselves with the need to rebound.

Team Webster Unity

1 2 3 4 6 2 4 5 6 6 11 8 Individual Statistics Webster 2s 3s FTM/A Sam Hogle 3 0 0/2 Amanda Alberg 1 0 1/2 Chelsie Benson 0 0 0/0 Kathryn Krause 0 0 0/1 Leah Janssen 0 0 0/0 Chelsey Bereiter 2 0 0/0 Beth Baer 0 0 0/2 Katie Thill 1 0 2/4 Totals 7 0 3/11

F TP 2 6 1 3 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 4 10 17

Unity Cola Hicketheir Allie Peterson Lindsay Turner Brianna Schmid Andrea Thompson Tina Edgell Totals

F 3 1 3 1 3 3 14

2s 5 0 2 0 4 3 14

3s 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

FTM/A 0/2 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/0 0/1 0/4

F 17 31

TP 10 0 4 0 11 6 31

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Jess Peterson: 1,000 points and going Peterson of Taylors Falls has been a leader for Chisago Lakes girls basketball

by Matt Blumkin LINDSTROM, Minn. – Some high school athletes living near Wild Mountain have to skip the slopes, but it could lead to a different path.

“It was my ninth-grade year, and I chipped a bone in my wrist, and my dad’s like ‘you’re done,’”Chisago Lakes, Minn., senior basketball player Jess Peterson recalled. “I haven’t seen the slopes since.”

That proved to be worth 1,000 points for the Chisago Lakes Wildcats basketball team. Peterson, of Taylors Falls, reached 1,000 points this season, and she’s been a leader over the years for the Wildcats as they gear up for sectional play.

“She brings so much energy,” said Wildcats coach Elizabeth Mundahl. “At this point in the season, I can’t tell you one time where she was down.”

She earned her 1,000th point in November at a tournament in Red Wing, Minn., but she has continued her stellar play as usual. She leads the team with 323 points through Feb. 5 this season, and she ranks second in the North

Jess Peterson of Taylors Falls getting ready to rebound following a free throw against North Branch, Minn., on Jan. 19. The Chisago Lakes, Minn., senior forward scored her 1,000th point this season. – Photo by Steve Morris, ECM Post Review Suburban Conference in scoring.

“My mom and dad kept reminding me, ‘you’re going to score you 1,000th point in Red Wing probably,” said

Peterson, who added, “My teammates seemed like they didn’t know about it, and then, they had the big surprise for me. It happened during the game, and

I’m like ‘hey, it’s over, let’s keep playing.’”

Mundahl, in her first year as Wildcats coach, is the third coach during Peterson’s high school career. Yet, that didn’t slow down Peterson from being an effective player game in and game out.

“All my coaches had expectations,” said Peterson, who added that her role in the post didn’t change much from coach to coach.

She’s been a go-to player for the Wildcats since her sophomore season, along with being a threat in the post.

“She’s in on every rebound,” said Mundahl. “That’s where she gets a lot of her points, just because she’s so strong and athletic.”

Peterson plans to keep doing the same next season when she attends NCAA Division II Northern State University to play basketball. She plans to study biology at NSU. Though she’s garnered success in her high school career, she only began playing in the seventh-grade. Tim Tengwall asked her to join his traveling team in Taylors Falls, and things took off from there.

Now, she’s looking to help lead her team to playoff success as the section playoffs loom. The Wildcats are 7-14 overall with a 5-10 record in the North Suburban Conference through Feb. 5.

They play in a conference with three top-10 teams in the state of Minnesota.

A week for a Blizzard: co-op to stay!

Blizzard co-op approved for another two years of hockey

by Matt Blumkin SIREN – The Northern Cup win capped off a big week for the Blizzard in which they received the go-ahead for another two years of WIAA hockey. The five school boards of the co-op all approved to continue the WebsterSiren-Frederic-Luck-Grantsburg co-op.

The Burnett and Grantsburg Hockey Associations will continue to fund the team.

“That’s definitely exciting that it passed so easy, with no hesitation, which kind of shows what we’ve done in two years,” said Sears.

The Blizzard boys’ team has posted 23 wins in that time. The girls’ team has tripled their win total from the first year, and they’ve increased their numbers.

A deeper postseason run could be next for the Blizzard with the possibility of the WIAA having two classes for hockey.

“We’re five schools away from being split into two classes,” said Sears.

Blizzard goalie Justin Hughes ready to make a stop for the Blizzard against Pine City, Minn. The Blizzard closed out the regular season with a 2-1 win over Mora, Minn., on Tuesday, Feb. 6. – Photos by Matt Blumkin Wisconsin currently has 75 WIAA hockey teams.

Blizzard 2, Mora, Minn. 1 SIREN – Travis Close and Ethan Hayes each scored goals at the Blizzard doubled Mora, Minn., 2-1 at home on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

They close out the regular season 145-1, one win shy of their goal of 15 wins.

Close put in the goal that won it for the Blizzard at 14:09 in the third period, and Josh Meyer assisted on the goal. They also overcame three penalties in the Team Mora, Minn.

Blizzard

Travis Close checks a Dragon.

1 0 1

2 1 0

3 0 1

F 1 2

Scoring First Period – 1, B, Ethan Hayes (Kevin Mossey), 10:34.

Second Period – 2, M, Zach Libra, 1:42.

Third Period – 3, B, Travis Close (Josh Meyer), 14:09.

Goalies Saves – B, Justin Hughes (24). M, A.J. Martin (20).

final period.

“It was a good way to finish the regular season,” said Blizzard coach Greg Sears. “The boys showed a lot of heart.”

Pine City, Minn. 5, Blizzard 3 SIREN – Normally, the Dragons making themselves at home in Siren gets the home crowd cheering, but not when it’s the Pine City, Minn., Dragons doing Team Pine City, Minn.

Blizzard

1 1 0

2 1 2

3 3 1

F 5 3

Scoring First Period – 1, PC, Terry Kraft (Brad Peterson, Corbin Peters), 14:01.

Second Period – 2, B, Cameron Hughes, 2:59. 3, PC, Danny Carlson (Travis Tacheny), 5:12. 4, B, Hughes (Josh Meyer), 11:10.

Third Period – 5, PC, Neal Schumacher (Tacheny), 9:48. 6, PC, Carlson (Schumacher), 12:16. 7, PC, Schumacher (Carlson), 8, B, Mike Curtis (Ethan Hayes), 0:01.

Goalies Saves – B, Justin Hughes (24). PC, Robi Little (25).

that.

After trading shots and goals through two periods, the Dragons took advantage of Blizzard mental miscues in the third period and won, 5-3. Though the loss didn’t hurt the Blizzard’s sectional seeding, Coach Greg Sears did not like his team’s effort in the third or first.

“We played hard for one period,” said Sears.

The Blizzard had knotted up the game 1-1 in the second period when Cameron Hughes put in a goal right off a faceoff. Then, he did it again for a 2-2 tie when Josh Meyer pushed a Dragon player out of the way to free up Hughes for the shot.

The meltdown began in the third as the Dragons took advantage and scored three goals in less than a five-minute span. The Blizzard emptied the net in the final two minutes to go for the comeback down, 5-2; they came up shy in the man-advantage. Mike Curtis put in a goal at the buzzer in the 5-3 loss.

“The game didn’t mean that much section-seeding wise,” said Sears. “We were just going for the win.”

They split the season series with the Dragons after winning the first meeting 4-2.

Lady Blizzard 1, Menomonie 0, OT MENOMONIE – Alex Lonetti put in the only goal of the game against Menomonie on Thursday, Feb. 1.

That’s all they needed as the Lady Blizzard pulled out the overtime road win. They also received word that they’ll host a regional playoff game against Tomahawk on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Team Lady Blizzard Menomonie

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 0 0

OT 1 0

F 1 0

Scoring First Period – No scoring Second Period – No scoring Third Period – No scoring Overtime – 1, LB, Alex Lonetti (Sasha Chell), 7:23.

Goalies Saves – LB, Chelsea Hunter (25). M, Katelyn Halama (34).

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Siren board initiates co-op agreement SIREN — The Siren Board of Education approved a recommendation to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Webster School District for varsity and junior varsity boys baseball and girls softball for the 2007-08 school year.

This action comes in response to a recommendation from subcommittees in each district that were assigned to study the feasibility of co-oping sports.

The primary reasoning behind co-oping

A

R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Underdogs 24, Spare-Us 24, Storm Chasers 22, Sandbaggers 19, Hot Shots 17, Gems 14, Flame Throwers 11, Misfits 9.

Men’s games: Jim Loomis (Spare-Us) 230, Shane Nyland (Hot Shots) 225, Scott Morrison (Gems) 219.

Men’s series: Jim Loomis (Spare-Us) 615, Scott Morrison (Gems) 590, Shane Nyland (Hot Shots) 570.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 192, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 189, LuAnn White (Spare-Us) 185.

Women’s series: LuAnn White (SpareUs) 537, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 511, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 496.

Team games: Underdogs 890, Spare-Us 877, Flame Throwers 855.

Team series: Spare-Us 2533, Underdogs 2493, Storm Chasers 2456.

Games 50 or more above average: Gail Linke (+5) Series 100 or more above average: Jim Loomis (+66), Barb Morgan (+54).’

Series 100 or more above average: Jim Loomis (+123), Chris Comeron (+121).

Splits converted: 5-7: Edla Meyer, Gail Linke. 5-8-10: Ken Erickson.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Adventures 28, The Bottle Shop 24, House of Wood 22, Mane Attractions 18, Radio Shack 15, Hacker’s Lanes 14, S&C Bank 13, Miller Chicks 6.

Individual games: Susie Houston (MA) 195, Janna Mulroy (RS) 194, Robin Lindvall (BS) 189.

Individual series: Robin Lindvall (BS) 553, Susie Houston (MA) 518, Cherrise Miller (MC) 503.

Team games: House of Wood 663, The Bottle Shop 661, Mane Attractions 645.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1862, Mane Attractions 1827, The Bottle Shop 1820.

Tuesday Youth (2 games) Standings: King Pin 9, LAM Bowlers 5, J.K.A. Bowlers 5, The Pin Heads 5, Pin Patrol 5, Strikes “R” Us 3, Rock Hard Bowlers 3, Frederic Bowlers 1.

Boys games: Logan Hacker 190 & 171, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 153.

Boys series: Logan Hacker 361, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 304, Max Musial 250.

Girls games: Avery Steen 137 & 112, Brandi Bahr 120.

Girls series: Avery Steen 249, Brandi Bahr 219, Alicia Sund 201.

Team games: LAM Bowlers 476 & 439, J.K.A. Bowlers 362.

Team series: LAM Bowlers 915, J.K.A. Bowlers 698, The Pin Heads 638.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 54, Bottle Shop 48, Great Northern Outdoors 43, Yellow Lake Lodge 31, Hog Wild 30.5, Oddballs 21.5, Ward Lake Services 17, Pioneer Bar 16.

Men’s games: Don Hughes 268, Ed Bitler 252, Ken Tonsager 250.

Men’s series: Don Hughes 706, Bruce Gravelle 702, Ed Bitler 688.

Team games: Bottle Shop 668, Hacker’s Lanes 662, Yellow Lake Lodge 656.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1884, Bottle Shop 1859, Great Northern Outdoors 1786.

Tuesday Late Mixed Standings: Pumpkin Heads 26-9, RTs 23-12, McCurdy Farms 17-18, Packer Backers 16-19, Rat Pack 15-20, Rock and Bowl 8-27.

Men’s games: Chad Brugman 215,

these sports is to eliminate the risk of losing baseball programs in both schools, as it appears inevitable the WIAA will be moving baseball from summer to spring.

The Siren baseball team has had to schedule games with area legion teams to keep a full schedule for the season.

“It’s all about opportunities for our kids, and not to lose what we have, and then to be able to pick up softball, which is something we’ve really been

B

heading towards for years,” said Siren athletic director John Tinman.

A secondary reason for the approval is to improve a balance between the number of boys and girls sports offered in Siren.

In order for the cooperative agreement to become final, the Webster School Board must approve the recommendation, followed by the Lakeland Conference and WIAA. After all four organizations grant approval, the two

O W L I N G

Randy McCurdy 214, John Bytnar & Ron Pitts 197.

Men’s series: Randy McCurdy 604, Chad Brugman 596, Ron Pitts 548.

Women’s games: Rose Burnham 187, Jennifer Brugman 155, Cyndie Omer 149.

Women’s series: Rose Burnham 433, Jennifer Brugman 427, Barb Fritsche 420.

Team games: McCurdy Farms 674, Packer Backers 623, Rock and Bowl 619.

Team series: McCurdy Farms 1965, Rock and Bowl 1778, Pumpkin Heads 1758.

Splits converted: 8-10: Steve Tretsven.

4-5-7: John Bytnar.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Pioneer Bar 5-31, All Around Gals 2-28, Frandsen Dairy 5-26, Crazy Ladies 7-23, Hacker’s Lanes 2-14.

Individual games: Char Sandberg (PB) 225, Betty Schandorff (HL) 188, Margie Traun (AAG) & Marge Peterson (CL) 186.

Individual series: Char Sandberg (PB) 535, Marge Peterson (CL) 502, Betty Schandorff (HL) 483.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 812, Frandsen Dairy 742, All Around Gals 725.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2189, Crazy Ladies 2102, Frandsen Dairy 2096.

Wednesday Night Early Men Standings: Skol Bar 15, Lewis Silo 13, A-1 Machine 13, Parker 10, Cummings Lumber 10, Jack Pine Trading 9, Pioneer Bar 7, Bye 3.

Individual games: Bruce Gravelle (P) 279 & 246, Duane Doolittle (LS) 237.

Individual series: Bruce Gravelle 731, Duane Doolittle 677, Jon Everson 647.

Team games: Lewis Silo 1107 & 972, Parker 949.

Team series: Lewis Silo 3020, Parker 2626, A-1 Machine 2573.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: K-Wood (11) 44, Full Timers (6) 36, Frontier Trails (2) 36, Grindell Law Offices (10) 30, Hell Raisers (7) 29.5, CenturyTel (3) 29.5, Fab Four (7) 29, Wikstrom Construction (6) 26.

Individual games: Ed Bitler (KW) 279, Don Hughes (KW) 265 & 262.

Individual series: Ed Bitler (KW) 765, Don Hughes (KW) 765, Brian McBroom (FuT) 640, Don McKinney (FF) 637.

Team games: K-Wood 708, 694 & 656.

Team series: K-Wood 2058, Full Timers 1740, Fab Four 1682.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler (KW) 9x = 279, Brian McBroom (FuT) 7x = 242, Don Hughes (KW) 6x = 262, Ed Bitler (KW) 6x = 249, Don Hughes (KW) 5x = 265, Don McKinney (FF) 5x = 237.

Games 50 or more above average: Ed Bitler (KW) 279 (69), Don Hughes (KW) 265 (55), Ed Bitler (KW) 262 (52).

Series 100 or more above average: Ed Bitler (KW) 765 (135), Don Hughes (KW) 765 (135).

Splits converted: 5-7: Jim Wikstrom x2.

3-10: Brain McBroom. 3-9-10: John Hickey. 2-7: Dan Carlson, Dave Hall, Bruce Wikstrom. 3-4-7-10: Don Hughes.

Thursday Late Standings: Wardlake Services 15-5, Stotz & Company 11-9, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 10-10, Hansen Farms Inc. 9-11, Fisk Trucking 8-12, Johnson Upholstery 7133.

Individual games: John Ellefson 256, Norm Hansen 238, Kenny Baillargeon 232.

Individual series: John Ellefson 609,

Daryl Bazey 607, Norm Hansen 587.

Team games: Wardlake Services 1003, Stotz & Company 947, Hansen Farms Inc. 930.

Team series: Wardlake Services 2864, Stotz & Company 2765, Hansen Farms Inc. 2754.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Meyer’s Plus 29, The Leader 28, Tin Cup Promotions 24, 4-Season Travel 23, Skol Bar 21, Hole in the Wall 20, Brad’s Ringneck 17, Bye 6.

Individual games: Gail Linke 213, Karen Carlson 211, Bonnie Zbleski 203.

Individual series: Cindy Denn 565, Karen Carlson 549, Gail Linke 536.

Team games: The Leader 723, Meyer’s Plus 685, Brad’s Bingneck 639.

Team series: The Leader 2010, Meyer’s Plus 1836, Brad’s Ringneck 1835.

Satruday Night Mix Standings: Handicaps, Generation III, Garbes Gang, Schmidt House 4, Lakers, CC Lupinos, Dead Eyes, Skow.

Men’s games: Ron Skow (SK) 244, Les Garbe (GA) 234, Mark Bohn (SUB) 225 & 225, Ken Koehler 225.

Men’s series: Les Garbe 667, Mark Bohn (SUB) 650, Ron Skow (SK) 641.

Women’s games: Rita Bohn (SUB) 193 & 188, Jen Petersen (GE) 175.

Women’s series: Rita Bohn (SUB) 537, Jen Petersen (GE) 484, Rachelle Petersen (GE) 484.

Team games: Handicaps 758 & 755, Lakers 753.

Team series: Handicaps, Skowl, Generation III.

McKenzie Lanes Monday Madness Standings: Peper Tire & Align. 26, Scottay’s Trucking 24, State Farm Ins. 24, McKenzie Lanes 21, Pepie’s Gals 20, Frederic Larsen Auto 17, Alleycats 16, Osceola Plumbing & Htg. 12.

Individual games: Barbara Benson 238, Becky Eklof 199, Julia Delougherty 189.

Individual series: Barbara Benson 631, Julia Delougherty 498, Becky Eklof 488.

Team games: Frederic Larsen Auto 623.

Team series: State Farm Ins. 1790.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Edina Divas 134.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 108.5, Sam’s Carpentry 105.5, McKenzie Lanes 96.5, Metal Products 95.5, Bont Chiropractic 93.5, Milltown Appliance 93, Jericho Trucking 73.

Individual games: Kelley Hill 233, Cindy Castellano 215, Dana Amundson 204.

Individual series: Kelley Hill 601, Cindy Castellano 577, Dana Amundson 552.

Team games: Sam’s Carpentry 1022, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 1011.

Team series: Edina Divas 2915, Sam’s Carpentry 2887.

Tuesday Early Mix Standings: Gutter Gals 8, Lane

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sports may be combined in the spring of 2008.

“Siren voted to move forward, but we still need to bring Webster along before anything can happen,” said Tinman.

Tinman says that he is excited about the future and hopes that the Webster School Board will address the issue at their next school-board meeting.

–Marty Seeger with information from the School District of Siren

E S U L T S

Crashers 6, The Gumegu’s 6, 2 Stooges & Princess 2, Still Standing 2, Bye 0.

Men’s games: Roy Davis 216, Alex Ambrozik 210, Tim Katzmark 207.

Men’s series: Tim Katzmark 560, Alex Ambrozik 558, Erv Lehmann 513.

Women’s games: Lisa Gunderson 171, Jan Lehmann 166, Becky Eklof 160.

Women’s series: Lisa Gunderson 473, Jan Lehmann 414, Lonnie Curtiss 403.

Team games: 2 Stooges & Princess 511.

Team series: 2 Stooges & Princess 1430.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Gutter Dusters 65, Country Gals 60, Custom Outfitter 58.5, Kassel Tap 57.5, A-1 Machine 57, B&H Builders 53.5, Hauge Dental 38.5, Bye 18.

Individual games: Fran McLeod 205, Denise F. Donaghue 202, Audrey Ruck 201.

Individual series: Denise Donaghue 565, Jane Smith 530, Audrey Ruck 524.

Team games: Kassel Tap 833, A-1 Machine 829.

Team series: Kassel Tap 2323, Gutter Dusters 2284.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Hack’s Pub 30, Steve’s Appliance 28, McKenzie Lanes 24, Glass Bar 24, The Dugout 23, Dream Lawn 22, Greatland Trans. 21, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 20.

Individual games: Jerry Prokop 279, Greg Dick 263, Rick Fox 258.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 725, Rick Fox 711, Greg Dick 709.

Team games: McKenzie Lanes 1114, Steve’s Appl. 1053.

Team series: Dream Lawn 2978, Steve’s Appl. 2947.

Wednesday Early Mix Standings: Lite House 36, Tri-County Imp. 35, Hendrick’s Motor 31, Fox Den 25, Holiday Stationstores 22, Fox Den II 20, Larsen Auto Frederic 12, Cutting Edge 11.

Men’s games: Darrell Hendricks 236, Ben Cox 225, Butch Korsan & Randy Walker 222.

Men’s series: Darrell Hendricks 632, Butch Korsan 630, Scott Lessman 615.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 210, Jeanne Kizer 160, Amy Eibs 154.

Women’s series: Janice Fox 576, Jeanne Kizer 437, Amy Eibs 421.

Team games: Hendrick’s Motor 679, Fox Den II 666.

Team series: Fox Den II 1852, TriCounty Implement 1829.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Tiger Express 40, Dalles Electrical 34, McKenzie Lanes 32, Harvest Moon 24, Embroidery Plus 20, Reed’s Marina 18, Davy’s Construction 12, Hanjo Farms 12.

Individual games: Rich Swenson 264, Brad Hacker 255, Mike Oryan 255.

Individual series: Brad Hacker 704, Jim McKenzie 684, Rich Swenson 669.

Team games: McKenzie Lanes 1058.

Team series: McKenzie Lanes 2992.

Thursday Women’s Standings: K.C. Electrical 16, Balsam Lake Hardware 12, RiverBank 11, Century 21 11, Eagle Valley Bank 9, Hauge Dental 9, Hack’s Pub 8, Deer Lake Block 4.

Individual games: Debbie Korsan 208, Kelley Hill 205, Jackie Patterson 203.

Individual series: Kelley Hill 580, Denise Donaghue 553, MJO Hacker 551.

Team games: Eagle Valley Bank 1033.

Team series: RiverBank 2927.

Black & Orange Early Birds

Standings: 10th Hole 16-12, Gandy Dancer Saloon 15-13, Black & Orange 13-15, Log Cabin Store 12-16.

Individual games: Dot Fouks (B&O) 186, Sheila Anderson (10th) 164, Bev Johnson (GD) 162.

Individual series: Dot Fouks (B&O) 487, Sheila Anderson (10th) 441, Alice Henrich (B&O) 433.

Team games: 10th Hole 869, Black & Orange 855, Gandy Dancer Saloon 846.

Team series: 10th Hole 2516, Black & Orange 2489, Gandy Dancer Saloon 2420.

Games 50 or more above average: Jayne Schwartz 200 +62; Dot Fouks 186 +52.

Monday Night Men Standings: Larry’s LP 17-3, Bruce’s Auto 12-8, Pope’s Construction 12-8, Parker 10-10, Glass & Mirror Works 9-11, Vacant 0-20.

Individual games: Arnie Pope (PC) 218, Chris Olson (L) 212, George Godzik (PC) and Dean Eytcheson (BA) 198.

Individual series: Arnie Pope (PC) 551, Dean Eytcheson (BA) 528, Vern Notton (G&M) 511.

Team games: Larry’s LP 910, Pope’s Construction 897, Bruce’s Auto 879.

Team series: Pope’s Construction 2645, Larry’s LP 2597, Glass & Mirror Works 2576.

Games 50 or more above average: Tyler Pope 181 +59.

TNT Ladies Standings: Flower Power 15-9, Larry’s LP 13-11, Cashco 13-11, Wild Bill’s 7-17.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 203, Bev Johnson (C) 199, Mary Reese (FP) 186.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 506, Mary Reese (FP) 472, Vicki Tollander (C) 457.

Team games: Cashco 776, Larry’s LP 693, Flower Power 672.

Team series: Cashco 2055, Larry’s LP 1986, Flower Power 1942.

Games 50 or more above average: Julie Remund 178 +54.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: Lions 16-4, T&P Tree Service 16-4, Cashco 13-7, 10th Hole 10.5-9.5, Northview Drive Inn 7-13, Blasters 6-14, Lynch Mob 6-14, Black & Orange 5.5-14.5.

Individual games: Josh Phelps (T&P) 204, Aaron Rinnman (B) 203, Monte Rinnman (C) 193.

Individual series: Monte Rinnman (C) 561, Josh Phelps (T&P) 495, Jim Martinson (10th) 493.

Team games: T&P Tree Service 939, Northview Drive Inn 914, Blasters 908.

Team series: Northview Drive Inn 2654, Lions 2624, Blasters 2623.

Games 50 or more above average: Josh Phelps 204 +62; Aaron Rinnmon 203 +79.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Riske Dick’s 19-5, Pour House 15-9, Black & Orange 14-10, Hole in the Wall 10-14, Ben Ott Const. 10-14, Check Services 4-20.

Individual games: Shaurette Reynolds (RD) 204, Jennifer Kern (B&O) 201, Audrey Pardun (H) 200.

Individual series: Audrey Pardun (H) 545, Jennifer Kern (B&O) 517, Jackie Churchill (RD) 493.

Team games: Black & Orange 734, Riske Dick’s 698, Hole in the Wall 679.

Team series: Riske Dick’s 2062, Black & Orange 1963, Hole in the Wall 1941.

Games 50 or more above average: Shaurette Reynolds 204 +77.

Read Leader Sports: Your sports leader

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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NAME: Mollie Bjelland SCHOOL:Grantsburg YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: For a girl the doesn’t regard the game of basketball as her strongest sport, Mollie Bjelland proves that she can play just about anything and turn it into something great.

Bjelland hit 1,000 points Mollie Bjelland last Thursday, Feb. 1 on her home court against Somerset. Bjelland has scored 22 points in the past three games, to go with countless steals and rebounds. She is truly an all around basketball player and has proven that she can be a threat against any team. At the same time, Bjelland shows a passion on and off the playing field that is admired by all ages. –Marty seeger

An 11-4 record might be considered good for most prognosticators, but for the Swami it’s a subpar performance.

“No one in his right mind would’ve picked St. Croix Falls boys to beat and Webster Unity girls to THE SWAMI knock off Webster. I’ll bet the florists are busy delivering bouquets from Luck to St. Croix Falls in gratitude to the Saints for knocking off the Tigers,” he said Wednesday morning while struggling with his 1040-EZ income tax form. “Those were the two games that killed me. Cumberland over Luck and Unity over Clayton weren’t really shockers.” Last week’s amateurish performance leaves the old hippie with a record of 107-21, or 84 percent.

The Swami Predicts

PREDICTS

Girls games: Grantsburg 70, Shell Lake 29 Frederic 55, Luck 34 Siren 52, Webster 27 Grantsburg 60, St. Croix Falls 41 Siren 45, Spooner 40 Weyerhaeuser 50, Luck 24 Siren 55, Prairie Farm 39 Clayton 63, Grantsburg 43 Boys Games: Grantsburg 69, Shell Lake 50 Luck 61, Frederic 46 Grantsburg 51, St. Croix Falls 39 Webster 50, Siren 34 Shell Lake 44, St. Croix Falls 43 Luck 72, Weyerhaeuser 45 Grantsburg 55, Clayton 53 Luck 77, Northwood 50 Clear Lake 55, Unity 50 Webster 47, Birchwood 42 Siren 42, Turtle Lake 40 The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com

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NAME: Ethan Hayes SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Ethan Hayes tasted victory against his old team as the Blizzard beat Spooner 4-3 in overtime on Feb. 2. Hayes put in a shot from the point, which Josh Meyer tipped in for the overEthan Hayes time win. Hayes has been a leader on the ice for the Blizzard this season. He played for Spooner as a freshman and sophomore prior to the Blizzard co-op.

Hayes also assisted on goals for the Blizzard in their games against Pine City, Minn., and Mora, Minn., in the past week. Besides hockey, Hayes ran for over 1,000 yards for the Frederic football team last fall. – Matt Blumkin

The Swami

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West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Luck Webster Unity Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Frederic Siren

Scores

Conf.

8-1 7-2 7-3 5-4 3-6 3-7 0-10

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Overall 13-3 14-2 11-5 6-9 5-10 8-9 3-13

Friday, February 2 Luck 51, Siren 37 Frederic 64, St. Croix Falls 49 Webster 54, Unity 40 Monday, February 5 Frederic at Weyerhaeuser, postponed Tuesday, February 6 Pine City, Minn. 61, Siren 44 Somerset 47, Grantsburg 41 Cumberland 48, Luck 43 Unity 45, Clayton 42 St. Croix Falls 41, Webster 40

Coming up

Thursday, February 8 Shell Lake at Grantsburg, 7:30 p.m.

Frederic at Luck, 7:30 p.m.

Firday, February 9 Siren at Webster, 7:30 p.m.

Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, February 12 Weyerhaeuser at Luck, 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Shell Lake, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 13 Turtle Lake at Siren, 7:30 p.m.

Clayton at Grantsburg, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood at Luck, 7:30 p.m.

Webster at Birchwood, TBA

BOYS HOCKEY Blizzard

Standings 13-5-1

Scores

Thursday, February 1 Pine City, Minn. 5, Blizzard 3 Friday, February 2 Blizzard 4, Spooner 3. OT Tuesday, February 6 Mora, Minn. at Blizzard, 7 p.m.

Coming up

Tuesday, February13 WIAA Regionals (#9) Spooner at (#8) Blizzard, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING Coming up

Saturday, February 10 Division II Regional Tournament at Luck, 10 a.m.

(Luck-Frederic-Grantsburg) Division III Regional Tournament at Unity, 10 a.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Tuesday, February 13 Team Sectionals at Boyceville, 7 p.m.

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Siren Grantsburg Frederic St. Croix Falls Webster Unity Luck

Scores

Conf.

10-1 9-1 6-4 5-5 3-7 3-8 0-10

Overall 14-2 11-5 11-6 7-8 6-11 3-14 1-14

Thursday, February 1 Somerset 70, Grantsburg 57 Friday, February 2 Siren 59, Luck 17 Unity 31, Webster 17 Frederic 60, St. Croix Falls 50 Tuesday, February 6 Osceola 59, Grantsburg 42 St. Croix Falls at Amery, not reported Northwood 54, Luck 11 Frederic 51, Turtle Lake 42

Coming up

Thursday, February 8 Shell Lake at Grantsburg, 6 p.m.

Frederic at Luck, 6 p.m.

Friday, February 9 Siren at Webster, 6 p.m.

Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, February 13 Clear Lake at Luck, 6 p.m.

Clayton at Grantsburg, 6 p.m.

Siren at Prairie Farm, 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Cameron, 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS HOCKEY Lady Blizzard

Standings 3-14-1

Scores

Thursday, February 1 Lady Blizzard 1, Menomonie 0, OT

Coming Up

Monday, February 12 Lady Blizzard at St. Croix Valley Fusion, 7 p.m.

Thursday, February 15 WIAA Regionals (#6) Tomahawk at (#3) Lady Blizzard, 7 p.m.

GYMNASTICS Coming up

Thursday, February 8 Grantsburg at Rush City, Minn., 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 10 Ashland Invitational, 9 a.m.

(Grantsburg, St. Croix Falls)

ALPINE SKIING Coming up

Thursday, February 8 Sectional meet at Duluth, Minn., TBA (Chisago Lakes-St. Croix Falls)

Life isn’t a spectator sport. Read Leader Sports!

Youth hockey scores Burnett Youth Hockey Weekly Results February 1-4

The Bulldogs wrestled their first team tournament in Amery on Saturday.

They had 26 wrestlers attend this tournament and they won first place.

Pictured as follows (L to R): Austin Swenson, 5th grade, 1st place; Elliot Swenson, kindergarten, 1st place; Cody Byers, 1st grade, 2nd place; Tristan Brewer, 4th grade, 1st place; Joseph Gaffney, 5th grade, first place; Brett Anderson, 3rd grade, 3rd place; Coach Tory Jeske; Luke Anderson, kindergarten, first place; Joshua Glover, 4th grade, first place; Dakota Schultz, 2nd grade, second place; Coach Joel Glover. Not pictured are: Nick Britton, 5th grade, second place; Ramsey Clark, preK, first place; Ricky Clark, 1st grade, fourth place; Reis Covey, kindergarten, fourth place; Matthew Daniels, 2nd grade, second place; Mitchell Daniels, preK, first place; Andy Gorr, kindergarten, first place; Colin Jeske, kindergarten, first place; Austin Johnson 1st grade, first place; Lane Johnson, kindergarten, first place; Logan Louis, kindergarten, first place; Spencer Louis, 3rd grade, first place; Walker Louis, 2nd grade, fourth place; Avery Northquest, preK, first place; Elijah Northquest, 2nd grade, second place; Coleton Peterson, preK, first place and Collin Daniels, fourth place,. The Bulldogs travel to Osceola on Sunday, Feb. 4, for their second team tournament. – submitted

Mite A Blizzard 9, Spooner 2 Goals: Jenna Curtis (4), Jacob Smith, Brady Mangen (2), Bailey Mangen (2) Saves: Dylan Strait, Brady Mangen (2) PeWees A Blizzard 11, Amery 0 Goals: Aaron Dietmeier (3), Tyler Richison (3), Anthony Dietmeier (2), Joe Englehart (2), Alex Hopkins Assists: Tyler Richison, Joe Engelhart (2), Shay Johnson, Aaron Dietmeier Saves: Jimmy Richson (7 Blizzard 11, Eau Claire Mustangs 0 Goals: Joe Englehart (4), Anthony Dietmeier (2), Alex Hopkins (2), Tyler Richison, Gino Lonetti, Jacob Swenson Assists: Joe Englehart, Alex Hopkins, Aaron Dietmeier Saves: Jimmy Richison (8) PeWees B New Richmond Tigers 9, Blizzard 2 Goals: Ryan Curtis, Vinny Larson Saves: Connor McGinnty (15) Squirts A Blizzard 6, Amery 2 Goals: Ryan Curtis (3), Jeremy Roy, Brett Richison (2) Assists: Ryan Curtis (3), Jeremy Roy (2) Saves: Paige Young (19) Blizzard 8, Chippewa Falls 6 Goals: Ryan Curtis (3), Vinny Larson (3), Jeremy Roy (2) Assists: Ryan Curtis (3) Saves: Paige Young (13) Bantam Third Place in Grantsburg tournament Burnett-Grantsburg 4, Pine City, Minn. 3

Goals: Dylna Franklin, Jeremy Wikstrom, Ben Jensen, Adam Cordell Assists: Jeremy Wikstrom, Ben Jensen, Dylan Franklin, Brady McWilliam Saves: Thomas Labatt (21) Chisago Lakes, Minn. 4, Burnett-Grantsburg 2 Goals: Dylan Franklin, Jeremy Wikstrom Assists: Dylan Franklin Saves: Thomas Labatt (20) Burnett-Grantsburg 3, Baldwin Blackhawks 3 Goals: Dylan Franklin (2), Ben Jensen Assists: Ben Jensen, Jeremy Wikstrom Saves: Thomas Labatt (35) U12 Girls Grantsburg-Burnett 5, Hayward 2 Goals: Wendy Roberts, Danielle Pardon, Paige Johnson, Tessa Schiller, Kassie Lien Assists: Kassie Lien, Brittney Luedtke

River Valley Youth Hockey Weekly Results February 1-4

Squirts 2nd Place Baldwin Tournament River Valley 9, River Falls 0 Goals: Jesse Loen (4), Henry Klein (20), Jessica Somers, Matt Milner, Sophie Klein Assists: Cooper Peterson (2), Jesse Loen (2), Sophie Klein, Zack Anderson, Charlie Vezina River Valley 6, Baldwin 1 Goals: Jesse Loen(3), Sophie Klein, Cooper Peterson, Matt Milner Assists: Henry Klein, Matt Milner (2), MacKenzie Gearin, Marcus Qualle, Charlie Vezina North Branch, Minn. 10, River Valley 4 Goals: Matt Milner (2), Charlie Vezina, Nick Roman Assists: Jesse Loen, MacKenzie Gearin, Jessica Somers

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

ATVS • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Backwater fishing and camping trip

Hello friends, This past week I joined Bill Dynes, who resides in Columbus, on a three-day adventure, winter camping and ice fishing on the Mark Mississippi River in Walters Trempealeau County near Trempealeau.

Sunday, Jan. 28 OUTDOORSMAN’S High 17, low 3 Bad luck came in the form of my snowmobile not wanting to budge a 6- to 8foot sled heavily loaded with gear before we even hit the ice. More bad luck came our way when deciding to check out the ice conditions. After getting off the snowmobile I fell through the ice, thus have a wet left leg.

The following description is how Bill Dynes and myself began our three-day expedition to a backwater fishing retreat that I reached last year by canoe.

Last year I absolutely put a hurting on the local northern pike population including a 40-incher that I released to fight another day. Bill Dynes, who is my wife Laurie’s cousin, got a firsthand view over the next three days of what a crazy lifestyle I sometimes live.

We were able to get the sled moving, but then came to ice, that I judged was too thin for a snowmobile, and put on a killer drag the last mile to “camp big gator.” With two more trips to go, I made the emergency decision the ice

JOURNAL

Mark Walters and Bill Dynes required plenty of gear for their winter camping and ice-fishing trip on the Mississippi River near Trempealeau.- Photo submitted was thick enough and headed back for my 1996 Arctic Cat Puma and the remainder of our gear.

We did not have a much daylight left and built a comfortable camp consisting of a 10-by-10 foot tent, cots, Coleman lanterns and a cookstove. We tarped the tent for a little better insulation and at dark went inside our home away from home. Bill took the time to teach me how to play cribbage, and I have to admit I really enjoyed the game.

Monday, Jan. 29 High 12, low 0 Bill and I were fishing early this morning and thinking we should be rewarded with some fish catching on any one of the six tip-ups we had out.

Three were baited with large smelt, two with shiners and one with a small

hook and a fathead minnow. A friend of mine had told me yesterday that he knew of some fishermen that caught several perch in this same spot. Some of them were 15 inches, that is why I had a fathead on one of my tip-ups.

About the time that the sun started hitting the ice, our tip-ups, or should I say Bill Dynes tip-ups, started going up. Bill’s first gator was a 7-maybe 8pounder that put a big smile on his face. I fish a lot, Bill Dynes does not have the same option, so it was kind of nice to see him do the majority of the catching over our entire trip. My goal on this trip was to catch a wall-hanger perch, that would mean it would have to measure at least 14 inches, preferably 15. Other goals I had were first to just catch a perch, and second was to see Billy Boy catch a big fat gator to put

in his newly decorated basement wall.

After awhile we realized it was pretty cold out. We cut some firewood and started a fire which made life on the ice much more bearable.

Speaking of fire, we had some bad luck on this trip on two different occasions. The first time a gas line on my cookstove started on fire. That situation could have been pretty ugly if I had not been in the tent to put it out.

Our second fire resulted when a gust of wind blew part of our tent over and an aspirin bottle fell onto the open flame in our tent. Bill and I were outside and thought we smelled something. When I checked it out, several items were on fire and we were lucky to have not lost more then we did.

Back to a positive subject like fishing, one of my goals was met today when I caught a 10-inch perch with a shiner.

Just moments later, I caught a 13-inch perch. I was thinking maybe Mrs. 15incher, with an extremely large belly, would come along and let me catch her. No luck on that subject, but we had fun playing cribbage next to the campfire, cooking on the grill and watching Mr. Dynes beat me in all bets in the northern pike category.

That night we had a celebration in the tent for a couple of good days catching fish, eating well, including a fish fry in the tent that night and the true beauty of the one of the greatest places in the world, and that is the extremely remote Mississippi river backwaters.

Challenge yourself!

Sunset

Brought to you by the following sponsors:

Huge bass on Little Butternut!

This 6-pound, 7-ounce largemouth bass was caught by Jordan Knutson, age 7, who is in the third grade at Grantsburg elementary. He was fishing with his grandpa, Tim Newlin, of St. Croix Falls, at the Bon Ton fishing contest on Jan. 24 at Little Butternut Lake. Jordan proudly accepted the $175 first-place money and used part of it to buy new open-face jig poles for himself and his grandpa. The remainder of the money went into his college fund. Jordan’s parents are Ali and Erik Knutson. - Photo Submitted

On track...

I believe that everyone should enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer at least once a week. Whether its hiking, biking, fishing or hunting, there should be no excuse not to enjoy at least a few hours outside.

That’s exactly what I did last weekend when it was 30-below zero wind chill. Without hesitation, I layered on some of my best outdoor walking gear and headed for the hills in search of antlers. Some say this is the best time to look for the biggest sheds since the bigger bucks are generally the first to cast their antlers.

Of all the hours I’ve spent looking for these things, I can count on one hand the amount of sheds I’ve found, and yet I still go out during this time every year in the hopes of finding a true giant set of antlers. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure that if I keep looking it will happen.

Perhaps I’m not doing the right thing, or covering the best possible areas, but after finding a new deer trail, last year’s rub-lines and the perfect tree to hang a deer stand, I know I’m on my way toward another great deer season next fall.– Marty Seeger

•••

Although April 16th is a long way off, you might want to mark your outdoor calendars for the Spring Wildlife and Fisheries Rule Hearings which will be held in each county across the state This is your chance to make a difference or let your voice be heard about issues surrounding regulation and conservation issues that affect all areas of Wisconsin.

If you’ve never been to one of the annual meetings, I encourage anyone who is interested in Wisconsin’s natural resources to attend, and let your voice be heard.

The meetings will be held at 7 p.m in the evening on the third Monday in April, so stay tuned to the Leader for information on where the meetings will be held in each county .– Marty Seeger

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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Waterfowl survey boasts big numbers Annual survey is a small, but important tool for the DNR to use in understanding waterfowl

by Marty Seeger POLK COUNTY — With the recent drop in temperatures, much of our area waterfowl have made haste toward warmer temperatures, or are waiting out the cold, but in early January the DNR was reporting some big numbers of waterfowl on open water areas in Polk and Barron counties.

The annual midwinter waterfowl survey, which is conducted in cooperation with the fish and wildlife service, reported 3,785 geese in Barron County and 5,690 geese in Polk County, as well as 261 trumpeter swans. Many of the geese were concentrated on the Apple River and St. Croix River in Polk County, and the Red Cedar and Chetek River systems in Barron County.

The aerial survey is conducted during the first week in January nearly every season, and according to Kevin Morgan, wildlife biologist in Barron County, the survey has shown an increase over the years in the number of waterfowl willing to stay for longer periods during the winter months.

“What it shows is an increasing trend in the number of geese that are spending time in Barron and Polk County, and more geese are choosing to spend more time in the area because of extensive open water areas,” Morgan said.

When Morgan first started, working in the area during the early ‘90s, the number of waterfowl in the area was low compared to what it has been during the past few years.

“When I first started, we counted 500 to 1,000 geese each in Barron and Polk County,” said Morgan.

Although Morgan explained that the numbers are typical for both counties, Polk County reported 1,177 geese and 109 trumpeter swans as well as 16 mallard ducks in 2006, and averaged around 2000 geese in 2005 and 2003.

Butch’s Northwest Archery League Week 4 Team Knoop Construction: 602 White Birch Printing: 589 Gronning’s Tree Service: 587 Century 21 Siren: 586 A&H Country Market: 582 Whitetail Lodge: 549 A&H Taxidermy: 549 Shell Lake Marine: 549 Melton Sandblasting: 545 Bank of the West: 543 B&B Disposal: 543 Theoutpostmall.com: 506 Becky’s: 501 The Shop: 497 Big Mike’s Sport Shop: 475 Bulldog Taxidermy: 470 Gluek: 459 Snags Sports Bar: 453 Women’s Teams Chicog Pub: 511 Wild Bill’s: 375 Bass Lake Inn: 341 Father son-daughter team Glennco Transmission: 558 Dan King Agency: 506 Boom Truck Service: 478 Weis Guys: 413 Juniors Lipsie Pines: 463 Husband & wife teams Bluegill Bar: 552 Sportsman’s Headquarters: 502 Scenic View Campgrounds: 488 Audie’s Barn Board Crafts: 462 Larsen Chev: 459 Parson’s Auto Body: 372 Traditional Teams Shell Lake Pharmacy: 394 Wishful Thinking: 360 C&J Sport Shop: 358 Peterson Construction: 311

ing it was to have been able to see so much wildlife, but she admits that doing the survey from the air is not always geared for people with weak stomachs. Much of the counting is done while the pilot steers the plane on its side to give observers the best view possible.

“Some folks do get a little green when they do the survey, but it wasn’t bad for me,” Carlisle said.

The midwinter waterfowl survey is similar to the spring waterfowl survey, but has been criticized for different reasons such as survey personnel changes, variation in survey effort and changes in methods among states. The fish and wildlife service cautions that inaccuracies may exist in the data, and the use of the data is provisional.

“They’re both really important, but doing the surveys plays more of a role in the regulations process,” said Kim Benton, assistant migratory game bird ecologist for the DNR. Benton says that the survey is more of a snapshot of what is going on with waterfowl at a particular time during the year, but it is definitely a tool for assessing waterfowl numbers.

The midwinter survey was started because some species of waterfowl are difficult to monitor during the spring.

Some species nest in areas where it is difficult to count from an aerial standpoint, and some nest in remote, inaccessible areas.

These trumpeter swans mingled with Canada geese on Spirit Lake in late November. The large open areas of water attributed to the high number of waterfowl left in the area during the first week of January. - Photo by Marty Seeger This year the numbers are twice that, With trumpeter swans, the counting but Morgan is quick to point out that can be done individually.

“These you really do count individuthe large areas of open water are the ally and exactly,” says Carlisle. She main factors.

Some geese will stick around all sea- explained that trumpeters are huge son long if the weather remains mild birds that aren’t usually clumped enough to keep open water areas. together in large groups like geese and Morgan says that geese are very ducks.

This was Carlisle’s first waterfowl resilient and will compress in numbers when the weather gets colder or open survey, and she explained how amazwater areas freeze over.

The midwinter waterfowl survey has been conducted federally since the mid1950s and has been conducted at the county level since the early ‘90s.

Various methods have been used, but aerial surveys are the ones being used in Polk County.

According to Polk County wildlife biologist, Michelle Carlisle, the survey is done with the pilot and two observers, who have been trained to know what to look for when counting waterfowl.

“You get really good at counting from the education,” said Carlisle.

Each observer holds a “clicker” in each hand and can distinguish whether or not 100 geese are in a group or 500.

This aerial photo shows how much water was open during the midwinter Carlisle explained that the counting is waterfowl survey. If you look closely, you can see clumps of waterfowl gathquite accurate since waterfowl such as ered together to the right of the island - Photo by Michelle Carlisle geese are usually clumped together.

Big Butternut pike

Hunters invited to deer management meetings ANTIGO - Deer hunters are invited to attend public meetings on deer management and hunting in deer management units in northern Wisconsin. The meetings are being held in communities throughout the north and the state in late February.

Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists will host the meeting and present harvest results from the 2006 season, provide updates on the status of the herd and the season structure for 2007, based on current herd estimates. Hunters and others will be given time to ask questions and comment on herd management.

Douglas County DMUs: 1, 1M, 2, 4, 8, 9 Superior Public Library Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m.Greg Kessler, 715-372-8539, ext. 115 Washburn and Burnett counties DMUs: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 St. Croix Tribal Clinic, Hwy. 70 west of Little Turtle Express, Hertel Thursday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

Nancy Christel, 715-635-4091

Four-year-old Mike Wilson of St. Croix Falls caught this 6-pound northern on Big Butternut recently. Photo Submitted

Barron and Polk counties DMUs: 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 22A, 23 Turtle Lake High School cafeteria, Turtle Lake Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m.

Kevin Morgan, 715-637-6867 - from the DNR

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

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Benefit for David Vann Saturday CENTURIA–A benefit for 2-year-old David Daniel Vann will take place the Saturday at Ernie’s Place (the old McKenzie Lanes building on Main Street) in Centuria.

David has been diagnosed with a very rapid-growing leukemia called ALL, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

The benefit for David and his mother, Sarah Fletcher, is to help with medical expenses during an intensive treatment.

David will spend the first month of treatment at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. For six months, he will be treated at Children’s Hospital once a week, and for the next 2-1/2

years, will be treated once a month, with daily medications to be administered at home by his mother in between visits.

The benefit is Saturday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. with a light lunch and hourly raffles and a silent auction.

Supplemental funding for the benefit will be provided by Thrivent Financial

for Lutherans. The benefit is co-hosted

by National Mutual Benefit, Branch 828.

Those who cannot make it out to the benefit, but want to help can do so by making a donation to S&C Bank in the name of David Vann. –submitted

Jack Frost Fest

by Regan Kohler SPOONER - The Spooner Chamber of Commerce’s fifth-annual Jack Frost Festival, held Saturday, Feb. 3, had some brave souls coming out to participate in winter sports despite the weather being more than 10 degrees below zero.

The ATV pull was canceled, but some people still participated in volleyball, winter golf and turkey bowling. Petersen’s Carriage of Frederic gave horse-and-carriage rides around town, and those not wanting to go outside watched cartoons at the Palace Theatre while others shopped at the Blizzard of Sales on Main Street.

There were antique snowmobiles on display in the parking lot of Schmitz’s Economart, and the Yellow River Flowage was full of ice fishers for the contest.

Larry Petersen, of Petersen’s Carriages in Frederic, was ready to ride at the Spooner Fire Hall Saturday.

This 1966 snowmobile from Altoona was one on display at the antique snowmobile show outside Schmitz’s Economart. This was sponsored by Wild River Sport & Marine, featuring sleds from the 1960s through the 1980s. - Photos by Regan Kohler

Turkey bowling, always a popular sport at Jack Frost Fest, still had quite a few people turn out at the Yellow River Flowage next to Tony’s Riverside. Players use a frozen turkey in a plastic bag to knock the pins down, and the winner gets to keep a turkey.

Two teams bundled up to play winter volleyball at the railroad yard courts.

The Tamarack Bar sponsored this event.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Enjoying the outdoors

Active Ice Age Trail group meets

by Gregg Westigard ST. CROIX FALLS – During the year they gather to maintain the 60-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail that winds through Polk County, clearing deadfall, sighting new routes, setting out benches. They enjoy each other’s company as they work together, ending the day with good food. Last Saturday, over 50 active members of the Indianhead Chapter of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation met at Interstate Park to review the year and make plans for the 2007 projects and activities.

Chapter president Dean Dversdall reported that volunteers put in 3,520 hours in 2006, with projects at the new Zilmer Park near the St. Croix River, along McKenzie Creek, and at the Clam River bridge. The year ended with a fall colors hike and picnic at the new Straight Lake State Park. The chapter also hosted the annual meeting of the statewide foundation last spring.

Dversdall thanked longtime volunteer and chapter leader Herb Lundberg whose service as an Outstanding Community Volunteer was recognized by his former employer, 3M , with a $1,000 donation to the chapter. Thanks were also given to a dozen young volunteers from Northwest Passage who

John Helling (left) was given a Traprock Trekkers award by Carol Widen and Dean Dversdall at the Indianhead Chapter meeting Saturday. Helling, who recently moved to Bone Lake, ran the 60-mile Polk County stretch both ways this summer. He said one stretch on the trail, heading south, crossed a field where a large bull was eyeing him. Helling reversed his route and entered the stretch from the opposite end. Running north, he saw a large black object ahead. Getting closer, he came in sight of a mother bear with two cubs and once again reversed his course. Not all hikes on the Ice Age Trail are this interesting. – Photo by Gregg Westigard

put in many hours of work.

The chapter has started a new program, the Traprock Trekker Award, who are people that sign up and hike the 60mile stretch through the county. Forty people enrolled the first year and 16 completed the hike. Their reward, besides time in the woods of Polk County, was a certificate for an entrée at an Adventures restaurant.

Interstate Park manager Jeff Krueger told the group that the planning process is under way for the new Straight Lake Park. A public meeting for input is being scheduled for this April, and the master plan for the park may be drafted by the end of the year. The Ice Age Trail will wind through the park.

The meeting ended with a photo presentation by nature photographer Ron Winch. “The Pond Thru the Seasons” could be the story of any pond in our area, he said. Nature should be experienced with all our senses, Winch said.

The Ice Age Trail, a National Scenic Trail that is part of the National Park system, starts at Interstate Park extends across the state to Lake Michigan, dipping south of Madison as it follows the edge of the last Wisconsin glaciation.

Polk to receive $14,000 for emergency food and shelter programs POLK COUNTY - Polk County has been chosen to receive $14,357 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities and United Way of America. The local board

was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A local board made up of a representative from each of the following organizations: Emergency Management, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, United Way, local church organizations, West CAP and the county food shelves, will determine how the funds awarded to Polk County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service

agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Polk County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with the Salvation Army, the Community Referral Agency, the Polk County Housing Collaborative, the Polk County Aging Program and Polk County food shelves participating.

These agencies were responsible for providing 2,850 meals and 609 nights of

lodging during 2006.

A meeting of the local board to distribute these funds has been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room located at the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St. in Balsam Lake.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact Kathy Poirier of the Polk County Emergency Management Office at 715-485-9280 prior to the meeting. submitted

Polk County criminal court Andrew Karl, 36, Illiamna, Ark., seven felony counts and five misdemeanor counts of failure to support child. Court resets motions hearing for March 5.

Arnold Herwick, 80, Milltown, operating while intoxicated, operating with PAC of .02 or more. Adjourned initial hearing set for Feb. 12.

Tereso Alvarado, 29, Balsam Lake, failure to report to

jail. Adjourned initial hearing set for Feb. 12.

William Hunt, 36, New Brighton, Minn. Court entered plea of not guilty to manufacturing and delivering marijuana.

Attorneys will try to settle. Court review set for Feb. 27.

Justin Ogdahl, 17, Osceola, pled not guilty to burglary and theft. Court review set for March 16.

Nicholas Mosay, 20, Balsam

Lake. Motion granted to dismiss charge of second-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Signature bond of $1,000 continues for charges of bail jumping and operating firearms with a controlled substance.

Preliminary hearing set for March 5.

Thomas Berg, 69, Milltown, possession of child pornography. Signature bond set of $10,000, with the conditions that

he is not to possess child pornography, not to have, use or possess computers, cameras or Internet, not to have contact with children under 18. The court granted a request by Berg’s attorney to modify or strike the no-contact provision. The court agreed to modify it to read: no physical contact with anyone under 18 and if there is contact with them, it is to be supervised by the defendant’s wife.

Polk County civil court LaSalle Bank National Assoc., c/o EMC Mortgage Corp., Irving, Texas, plaintiff.

Kristine Locken, Shawn Murphy, St. Croix Falls, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure in amount of $157,753.02.

Daimlerchrysler Financial, Jacksonville, Fla., plaintiff.

Susan Irvin, Amery, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges default on contract payments for 2005

Chevrolet Malibu in amount of $7,367.88.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Richfield, Minn., plaintiff.

Daniel and Jacqueline Kukk, Amery, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $130,850.96.

Lew Lunsman, Centuria, plaintiff. Trollhaugen, Inc., Dresser, and ABC Insurance Co., defendants. Plaintiff alleges negligence on part of

Burnett County warrants Vadim A. Y. Chapchay, 38, Minneapolis, Minn., Feb. 1, warrant – failure to appear.

Natheniel L. Lloyd, 20, Minneapolis, Minn., Feb. 1, warrant – failure to appear.

Donald R. Osborne, 41, Bethel, Minn., Jan. 30, warrant – failure to appear.

Edward L. Robarge, 39, Minneapolis, Minn., Feb. 2, commitment.

Alfred E. Walters, 35, Grantsburg, Feb. 1, commitment.

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Trollhaugen for injuries suffered while skiing on Feb. 23, 2004 and seeks damages.

Hilco Receiveables, Northbrook, Ill., plaintiff. Lori Hochstetler, Amery, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges default of credit card payments in amount of $8,272.77.

Everhome Mortgage Co., Jacksonville, Fla., plaintiff.

Jeremy Berry, Milwaukee, Patricia Berry, Milwaukee and unknown tenants of 437 Garfield St., Dresser, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclo-

sure for payments of $128,485.26.

Capital One, F.S.B., Norcross, Ga., plaintiff. Thomas Cotteleer, St. Croix Falls, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of credit card payments in amount of $5,429.

IndyMac Bank, F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif., plaintiff. Jean Peltier, Terry Joe Williams, Balsam Lake, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for total of $156,439.77.

Polk County divorce Tiffany and Jeramy Viebrock, Star Prairie. Married 2003. Two children.

Kimberly Peper, St. Croix Falls, and Adam Peper, Luck.

Married 1998. One child.

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Eric Judkins, Clear Lake, and Sally Judkins, Boyceville.

Married 2000. No children.

Blaine and Roni Leslie, Clear Lake. Married 2004. Two children.

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Preliminary hearing set for March 5.

Logan Berg, 19, Balsam Lake, pled not guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia.

Review set for March 30.

Brent Priebe, 28, Centuria, disorderly conduct. Signature bond set of $1,000.

Travis Chaput, 24, Danbury, pled not guilty to battery. Review set for May 11.

Brandon Snider, 28, Luck, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for April 20.

Jeffrey Thomson, 37, Osceola, disorderly conduct.

Bench warrant issued based on non-appearance in court.

Rajai Abdeljawad Wazwaz, 29, Crystal, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of marijua-

na, possession of drug paraphernalia. Cash bond set of $546. Review set for April 10.

John Volkert, 42, Amery, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for April 10.

Brian Rood, 27, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to OWI, Operating with PAC .08 or more.

Review set for March 30.

Pamela Haley, 45, pled not guilty to OWI, Operating with PAC .08 or more. Review set for May 11.

Thomas Dobbert, 59, received a deferred prosecution agreement for a charge of operating a vehicle while revoked.

The court dismissed a charge of misdemeanor bail jumping.

Siren police report Jan. 29: Wenton J. Waey, Spooner, reported that he had lost a black wallet with his driver’s license and some cash in it at Fourwinds Market around 1 p.m.

Jan. 30: Letters were written to two individuals with overdues movies out from Siren Auto Stop. If the movies are not returned by a specified date, the individuals will be charged with their theft.

Feb. 2: Steven L. Johnson, 79, Siren, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 at Works Progress Street at 10:30 a.m.

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Feb. 3: Bernard A. Taylor, 33, Hayward, was cited for operating after revocation. His vehicle was stopped on Bradley Street because only the parking lights, not the headlights were on.

Feb. 4: Wayne Koball, Siren, reported that a Delco AM/FM car radio was thrown at his mailbox at 5 p.m., denting the side of the box. The owner of the radio has not been located.

A juvenile passenger was cited for underage drinking during a traffic stop on Alden Road at 11:50 p.m.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Burnett County criminal court Andrew William Jorgensen, 48, Grantsburg, OWI, $2,729.00, license revoked 30 months, 110 days local jail time, alcohol assessment.

Jeffrey L. Neilsen, 33, Grantsburg, cause injury while OWI, $1,982.40, license revoked 14 months, 60 days local jail time, alcohol assessment.

Kenneth S. Dutka, 18, Lindenwood, Ill., possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

James M. Colalillo,49, Frederic, possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

Leonard L. Schrofer, 64, Alexandria, Minn., disorderly

conduct, $249.00.

Jeremy J. Paulson, 24, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Wanda L. Matrious, 34, Danbury, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Shelly A. Day, 38, Hinckley, Minn., issuing worthless checks, $248.00.

Heather A. Mulroy, 23, Webster, issuing worthless checks, $243.00.

Melissa L. Mulroy, Grantsburg, issuing worthless checks, $243.00.

Ashley Cihak, Grantsburg, issuing worthless checks, $266.69.

Anthony M. Klegin, 30, Amery, issuing worthless checks, $243.00.

Dennis J. Main, 58, Webb Lake, OWI, $793.00, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment.

Ross P. Gatto, 27, Roseville, Minn., OWI, $665.50, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment.

Penny L. Nelson, 35, Cumberland, OWI, $667.00, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment.

Penny L. Nelson, 35, Cumberland, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Robert J. Geller, 27,

Cushing, OWI, $982.00, license revoked 7 months, alcohol assessment.

Krystal K. Goepfert, 18, Grantsburg, underage drinking, $249.00.

Candice M. Fitzsimmons, 22, New Hope, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Danbury Fire Department, fail to follow notification required for demolition, $803.00.

Candice M. Fitzsimmons, 22, New Hope, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00.

Marvin G. Studeman, 51, Webster, 2 counts - failure to license dog, $309.00.

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Wood River, Jan. 28: A westbound vehicle ran over a stop sign on North Shore Drive near Thorson Park. The driver left the scene of the accident, but he left the license plate behind. The driver has not been notified yet of his error.

Town of Webb Lake, Feb. 2: Jacob J. Ogren, 31, Bloomington, Minn., was backing up in an attempt to turn around on Red School House Road when he hit the embankment and tipped the vehicle over on its side. The driver was cited for unsafe backing.

Warrant arrests/other arrests Town of Siren, Ritchard K. Cook, 45, Siren, was arrested for drinking with a no-drink condition to probation. He was issued citations for resisting / obstructing arrest, disorderly conduct and two counts of criminal damage to property.

Town of Swiss, Feb. 5: Cory D. Beaufeaux, 23, Bethel, Minn., arrested for disorderly conduct, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Town of Swiss, Feb. 5: Peter J. Sander, 25, Apple Valley, Minn., arrested for disorderly conduct, possession of THC

Burnett County civil court The RiverBank vs. Rebecca Swanson, Siren, $1,385.98.

Mrc Receivables vs. Cassi Studeman, Webster, $1,427.25.

Mrc Receivables vs. Amy Haines, Danbury, $1,946.89.

Cedar Corporation vs. Jeff Seidls, Grantsburg, $770.25.

Mrc Receivables Corp vs.

Jerome Blatt, Webster, $1,349.28.

Burnett County deaths Oliver L. Spalding, 85, Dewey, Jan. 2.

Alpha Dahle, 96, Grantsburg, Jan. 15.

Kent A. Erickson, 51,

Grantsburg, Dec. 28.

Julia Abbott, 80, Siren Village, Jan. 23.

Louise A. Wicklund, 92, Siren Village, Jan. 27.

and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Other incidents Town of Scott, Jan. 30: A fire is under investigation that burnt down a cabin owned by Richard and Robert Derrick.

Town of Anderson, Feb. 2: Brad Dawson, 46, Trade Lake, reported items missing from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Blaine, Jan. 30: Stanley D. Rea, 46, Danbury, reported being assaulted at Hillside Bar. Town of Daniels, Jan. 31: Doug Crane, Siren, reported a possible burglary at neighbor’s residence.

Town of West Marshland, Feb. 3: Arthur Bistram, Grantsburg, and Cristine Lepage, Grantsburg, both reported mailbox damage.

Employment

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Employment / Notices

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Notices

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Notices

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

SPOTLIGHT on Business Curves

Owner Nora Schaefer is shown here on the bicep-tricep machine. Behind her is a chart that she calls “thirty days to amaze.” The chart features sayings such as “The metamorphosis began quickly and has continued to this day.” Schaefer says that the chart is designed to show women how amazed they can be, and how well they can do with regular exercise.

Curves is easy to find on the corner of Hwy. 48 west, and Hwy. 35 north in Frederic.

The area inside Curves features 11 different machines to suit your interests in getting fit, and each machine is designed to shape different muscles in your body. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Here, owner Nora Schaefer points out the stretching area, along with a purple monkey that shows how to do stretch number seven.

Folk concert debuts Hall improvements LUCK - This coming Saturday, Feb. 10, Cynthia Rintala will be performing a concert at the West Denmark Parish Hall. Rintala is a fixture in the local folk scene playing regional venues in both Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as hosting Open Mic monthly at the Cafe Wren in Luck. She will be joined by other local musicians including frequent band mates Dave Franks, Jay Stackhouse and “Captain Carl” Wicklund.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and will include desserts and beverages for purchase during intermission. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12 with a $25 maximum per family, so bring the kids along.

The concert at West Denmark Hall will be an opportunity for the public to see recent improvements to one of the region’s oldest performance halls. Last summer the entry way to the Hall was removed and expanded to include two wheel-chair accessible restrooms on the main floor and a basement addition to the kitchen area. The coat room was also enlarged to relieve overcrowding as people find their way into one of the area’s true historical treasures.

The West Denmark Hall was one of the earlier structures built on the grounds in 1915. Other early buildings included a seminary and parsonage that was eventually moved into Luck across the ice on Little Butternut Lake. The church building, a parsonage, and a folk school that is tucked away in a grove of trees down by a stone fire pit near the shores of Little Butternut remain on the grounds today. The “campus” west of Luck grew with the Danish community who recognized cultural awareness and preservation were as important as the spiritual growth that took place on Sunday mornings. Gymnastics, plays, musical performances, lectures and dances were all part of community life structured not only for personal growth of those belonging to the parish but for the well being of

from folk and square dances to Cajun circle dances and even teen dances complete with light shows and fog machines.

Concerts, plays, and lectures are regular occurrences as the small yet adequate stage, complete with a wireless microphone system, lends itself to productions that are intimate and appealing to small town sensibilities. Luck Community Education has used the Hall for a variety of classes that need open space without being dwarfed by a big school gymnasium. It has also been home to two different dance studios for classes.

With a full kitchen and dining room in the basement, it has been used for family reunions, wedding receptions, graduation parties and dining for a crowd. The separation between the open space of the auditorium and the dining hall downstairs makes it possible for activities to carry on while finding a quiet space to sit at a table with refreshments and conversation.

West Denark Parish Hall. - Special photo the wider community.

Still used Today the West Denmark Hall is still used by many area residents for an eclectic range of activities. A summer family camp attracts hundreds of participants from across the Midwest for a weekend of socializing, craft classes, singing, discussions, dancing, sports and feasting on traditional Danish cooking. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H clubs have used it both for meetings and parties. With a rock-solid hardwood floor, the Hall has been used for many types of dances ranging

Community resource The congregation at West Denmark Church considers the Hall a resource for the entire community.

Rental fees vary depending on the time of year and length of use. Anyone interested in using the building for an event should contact Pastors Linda and Mike Rozamulski at 715-472-2383. Saturday’s concert is a creative arrangement with Cynthia, who had her wedding on the grounds last summer in exchange for performing a concert, which benefits one of her favorite local places to play music. Stop by Saturday night for a great show and preview of the best little auditorium around for your next special event. The West Denmark Hall is located at 2478 170th St. Go west on CTH N at the south end of town and take the first left turn. Submitted

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 7, 2007

A wedding moment, frozen in time

by Gary King FREDERIC - Planning a wedding in July and experiencing it on a February night is what most people would consider extreme.

At least as far as air temperature goes.

But for Anita and Mark Baker, Saturday evening’s bone-chilling temperature – a brisk minus 14 degrees only accentuated their wedding day as they rode in a vintage horse carriage from the Frederic Evangelical Free Church to downtown Frederic, approximately a mile away. They were buffered from the cold by the emotions of the day and by layers of clothes.

“We were fine,” Anita said afterwards. “We were bundled up good, although I did feel it around my eyes – the only place I wasn’t covered – and in my feet a little.”

Larry and Liz Petersen, owners of Petersen Carriage Service, timed their arrival at the church to coincide with the newlywed couple’s departure from the church following the ceremony.

They provided vintage furs and hats, mittens and wraps.

The approximate two-mile journey took them past the park and down Main Street and south on Hwy. 35, and upon special request, to the Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where Anita has worked for years as a CNA. More than a dozen residents, wrapped in blankets, came to the front entrance to see the couple arrive in the carriage.

Anita went inside and hugged and kissed the residents and even woke one

couple a few thermoses full of coffee and hot cider. It wasn’t until they got back to their car they were able to take advantage of the gift. “It was perfect,” said Anita.

The Petersens, she noted, were “awesome” in their cordial and accommodating manner.

Recently completing four years of training to become a nurse, Anita said a long honeymoon in warmer weather will be a nice change of pace – and that her “fantasy wedding” is now “frozen in time” for her and her husband.

Newlyweds Anita and Mark Baker arrived at the Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center just before 8 p.m. Saturday evening with the temperature at approximately 14 below zero. Anita works at the care center and promised residents and co-workers she’d try to stop and greet them as part of a special vintage carriage ride by Petersen Carriage Service of Frederic. Larry Petersen is shown at the reins – Photos by Gary King of them up to witness the special occasion.

“She wasn’t upset,” Anita said, laughing. “She said she could sleep anytime.”

The stop at the care center, she added, “was just something we had to do. I love that place.”

Women at the Free Church gave the

The Bakers pose for a photo as newlyweds.

Hraychuck weighs in on governor’s proposals

by Julie Holmquist MADISON - Rep. Ann Hraychuck, DBalsam Lake, took time Tuesday to discuss a few of Gov. Jim Doyle’s new proposals and to ask constituents for their input.

The newly elected Hraychuck took office in January representing the 28th Assembly District and was back from the Capitol during a short break.

She returns to Madison Feb. 13, when the governor will unveil his budget plan to support the initiatives he proposed in his State of the State address.

“Most of the Democrats and the Republicans liked the philosophy behind the governor’s proposals,” she said.

Hraychuck said she was pleased to see that health care was the governor’s No. 1 priority, but noted that all the initiatives presented by the governor are “budget issues.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing his budget proposal,” she said. “That’s our job, to look it all over and make sure we have a balanced budget. It will be interesting to see.”

Hraychuck said others in Madison agree there seems to be a “different tone” in the Legislature these days.

“There seems to be a feeling of cooperation, which was evident when the ethics bill passed,” she said.

Along with voting for the new

Government Accountability Board, Hraychuck also voted to limit the governor’s partial veto authority.

“It’s not about Gov. Doyle, but the policy in general,” said Hraychuck. The partial veto, “is just not a good thing. I think it’s wrong for our governor to have the kind of power where he can cross out everything on a page and eventually change the funding structure and the policy of a bill.”

Hraychuck noted that Doyle wasn’t the first to make use of the partial veto.

Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson was the “king of the partial veto,” she noted.

Hraychuck weighed in on few of the governor’s proposals.

Health Care Hraychuck said she was pleased to see the governor’s proposal to expand Badger Care, the state’s health care plan for the needy, to more children and adults. Some 71,000 working adults without children don’t have health insurance in the state, and Doyle would like to expand the program to meet that need. The proposed state health care plan would be offered to every Wisconsin family, regardless of income.

Hraychuck said she was also happy to see that Doyle’s proposal, called Badger Care Plus, would streamline the bureaucracy of the application process for

A fire Jan. 30 in the town of Scott burned this cabin owned by Richard and Robert Derrick. The Webb Lake and Scott fire departments responded to the fire. The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the fire. - Photo by Sherill Summer

Badger Care and Medical Assistance, and provide relief to businesses and farmers.

Proposed statewide smoking ban Hraychuck said she’s aware of the impact of smoking on health care costs, but has to talk to the people of the district about the controversial issue to see what they think.

“I’d rather see it as a local issue and have local control,” she said. She noted that health care costs have dramatically reduced in states where there is a ban, but would also like to see programs for people to fight the addiction.

“I don’t know if it’s right to put (an increased cigarette tax) on the back of smokers because it is an addiction,” she noted.

Education initiatives Hraychuck believes the governor’s Covenant program will be a good motivation for more students to attend college, but said she has “mixed feelings” about adding an additional math and science class to high school graduation requirements. She noted that high school graduation rates are down statewide, and she wouldn’t want to see anything happen to increase that number.

“Education is the best thing we can do, for families, and economically for

growing jobs,” she said, “but I’m not sure that adding more requirements to graduate is the answer. I don’t want to forget about the kids who struggle.”

Hraychuck meets quarterly with school superintendents in the district and said she will seek educator’s opinions on the matter when they meet in March.

Other issues Hraychuck is backing the attorney general’s proposal to increase the number of analysts in the state crime labs, where there has historically been a backlog.

She serves on the tourism, natural resources, and criminal justice committees, which have not met yet this legislative session, but she is seeking opinions on a natural resource issue.

She said she’d like to hear from district deer hunting groups about a recent DNR study on deer baiting.

“The DNR is encouraging a ban on deer baiting,” she said, noting that the topic will be discussed in Madison.

Hraychuck will visit villages throughout the district in March to provide legislative information and listen to constituents’ concerns.

Hraychuck’s State Capitol number is 608-267-2365, toll free: 888-529-0028. Email: rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.gov.

Currents N O R T H E R N

‘Follow the Leader’

Feb ruar y 7, 2007 • 2 nd Se c t i on B• I nter-Co unty Le a de r

THE LEADER’S COMMUNITY NEWS

Fifty years as a volunteer emergency fire warden

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – “2007 marks the 50th year of service for one of our emergency fire wardens, Ken Stoner. It’s a remarkable achievement and an incredible service he and his wife, Kay, have given to the DNR and the community by writing burning permits and providing information on burning laws all these years. EFW’s are volunteers; they aren’t compensated in any way,” commented Renae Paulson, Webster DNR forest ranger.

“Ken Stoner is the only EFW that I know in Wisconsin with 50 years of service. I think that says so much about his commitment to service and his longevity in this area,” Paulson went on to say. “I’m sure he and Kay would both say it’s not that big of a deal, and would argue that they don’t write a lot of permits. But the fact that anyone would stick with a volunteer job for 50 years – Wow! “It is important to the DNR because we could never handle the volume of permits that are written each year ourselves,” Paulson continued. “And also to the community to have a neighbor, someone close by, that they can go to and get a burning permit and accurate information on the regulations. What a hassle it would be if everyone had to drive to a DNR office each time they wanted to burn.”

Although their official anniversary date is in April of this year, the Stoners were honored at a DNR recognition dinner Sept. 21, 2006, at Seven Pines Resort in Lewis. Recognitions are given every other year, and the DNR decided that before was better than after the 50-year anniversary date.

Ken and Kay Stoner agree to an interview On one of the coldest afternoons of the winter, Ken and Kay Stoner agreed to give an interview at their comfortable, warm home on South Wood Creek Road in the town of Daniels. They were well prepared for the interview, and Kay had even written out two pages of memories to share. “I was a teacher, you know (Siren, fourth and fifth grades),” she explained, adding that there wasn’t much worth watching on television the previous evening so she sat down with pen in hand.

“My father, Otto Kolander, who had been a town chairman (town of Daniels) and on the (Burnett) county board, had been asked about who would be a good fire warden for this area,” Kay started out. “Ken had just gotten out of the Navy in 1957. He had been stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in 1951-1952, and in the fire department there. Dad asked Ken if he wanted to be a volunteer emergency fire warden for this area. Little did he know it would lead into a lifetime vocation.

“The 1950s were very dry years when we first started farming, and there were some large fires in Burnett County,” Kay continued. “Ken was called to help fight the Crex Meadows fire in 1957 or 1958 when the fire

Ken Stoner has been a volunteer emergency fire warden in Burnett County since 1957. From his home on South Wood Creek Road, Stoner and his wife, Kay, have issued burning permits and provided information on burning laws to anyone who stopped by.

Burnett County Emergency Fire Warden Ken Stoner and his wife, Kay, are shown here with the plaque Stoner received from the DNR in recognition of his 50 years of volunteer service. As a special, and most cherished gift, the DNR also presented the Stoners with the carved wood figure of Smokey Bear. went from the Grantsburg area to almost the town of Webster. He was gone three days. The children and I did the chores, milked the cows, fed the calves and chickens, etc.”

Kay explained that Ken had been called out other times over the years. During one of those times, the Stoner’s son, Steven, and other boys from Siren High School were asked to help fight a fire in northern Burnett County. They used pump cans full of water (see photo with this story), which they carried on their backs to spray on the fire.

According to Kay, most people followed the rules and regulations set up by the DNR, but there were a few that didn’t. When that happened, there were fires that got away and burned out acres. On one of these occasions, the fire came close to the Stoner home. On another occasion, Kay had to go to court to testify in the case of a permit that she had written that wasn’t followed.

One fire caused some embarrassment to the Stoner family. Kay and her grade-school-aged children were cleaning Christmas boxes out of the upstairs storeroom, taking them out to the open garden plot to burn later in the day. It was April 1970, a dry windy spring day, and the children lit the fire too soon.

“The fire got away, burned the grasses and weeds and started a lean-to hay shed on fire,” Kay recalled.

“The children and I tried to put it out by carrying water, but with the wind, I had to call the Siren Fire Department. They called the Webster Ranger Station to put it out. It was definitely a learning lesson for all of us to

Follow

the

see how fast the wind could carry the fire, and you couldn’t get control of it. Ken was at work at the Siren Feed Mill, and was quite surprised when he found out that the fire warden’s family had (called) the fire department and rangers to put out a fire.”

“After that, we tried to make the rules and regulations very clear to the people we wrote permits for,” Kay commented.

She talked about the tornado in June 2001, and the fact that burning permits were not issued for the rest of that year. She and Ken worked for FEMA that summer at the town of Daniels debris dump site by Mud Hen Lake, monitoring the amounts of debris that was hauled in on trucks. After that year and for the next couple years, blow-down areas were designated restricted, where no one could burn because of the dry vegetation left after the tornado went through.

“Something perceived as local volunteer work can be far-reaching, and actually allowed us to meet people from all over, making the world smaller. We got to meet and know one of the families that were impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attack,” Kay said. “We have made many new interesting friends of nonarea residents, local residents, neighbors and the helpful DNR people from the Webster Ranger Station.”

More about the Stoners Ken Stoner was born in Morrill, Kan. His parents, World War I veteran Lloyd Stoner, and his mother di-

Leader

See Fifty years, page 2

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Fifty years/from page 1 vorced when Ken was young. Lloyd moved to Phoenix and became a baker.

Ken and his mother moved to Bremerton, Wash., for a time when his mother worked in a shipyard, then they lived in Kansas City.

One day, a Navy recruiting officer drove into Ken’s mother’s yard, looking for Ken. His dad had signed him up, and had asked the recruiter to go over and pick him up. He spent a total of 111/2 years in the Navy, earning the rank of Bosun Mate 3rd Class.

With Kay growing up in the town of Daniels, you are probably wondering just how she met Ken and how their relationship developed. The two met in California, when Kay was working there and Ken was stationed aboard the Bayfield, a ship that was built in Bayfield.

One night the two ended up at the same dance place, the Westerner. Kay was with another sailor, Ken with Navy buddies. “I knew what I wanted,” Ken said in explaining why he was immediately attracted to Kay, “a beautiful lady from Wisconsin.” He also revealed that a friend had told him that girls from the Midwest (Minnesota or Wisconsin) made good wives. He asked Kay to dance; and 10 days later, they went over to Reno, Nev., to get married, a short courtship, but a marriage that has lasted for 55 years so far.

Kay sent a telegram to her parents to tell them about her new married status.

“My dad ranted and raved for awhile, but my grandmother congratulated us,” she said. The two took the Greyhound Bus to Siren, and Ken was introduced to his new family. When his Navy service was over, he went into dairy and crop farming on 160 acres in the town of Daniels. He and Kay raised four children, two girls and two boys, on the farm where they still live.

“Life has been interesting since I have been up here,” Ken said, adding, “I had no farming knowledge whatever. I am an old sailor.”

The best thing about being a volunteer emergency fire warden for the past 50 years, according to Ken Stoner, has been the experience it has given him. “Ken

thought it was a way to meet and help people. He was always doing that,” Kay said. The two plan to continue indefinitely.

“Burning permits are free, burning without a permit could cost you more than $120. If in doubt, ask before you burn,” states a little green handout titled “Debris Burning or Campfire – Do You Know The Difference?” Ken and Kay Stoner are among those who are prepared to tell you, if you will just go to them and ask. After 50 years, they know what they are talking about.

Ken Stoner shows the heavy back pumper that, filled with water, he strapped on his back to fight forest fires during his early days as an emergency fire warden. Stoner saw service on several big fires, including the 1950s Crex Meadows fire that burned from Grantsburg almost to the village of Webster.

Because recognition dinners are given only every two years, the DNR presented this 50-year plaque to Ken Stoner at a dinner at Seven Pines in Lewis Sept. 21, 2006. “He is the only EFW that I know of in Wisconsin with 50 years of service,” said Webster ranger Renae Paulson. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Blame the terrorists - not Bush & America Charge!

Watching the January “anti-war” rally in Washington D.C. made me want to join the Marines.

I was so livid watching this hypocrisy on the national mall, I was ready to sound the charge and lead a few good men into battle. Hoo-Ra! It’s not hypocritical to protest the war in Iraq. Every sane person wants peace.

And opposing the war can be honorable. We the people differ on a “liberation effort” or “pointless war.” It depends on your point of view.

Remember the terrorist?

What disturbed my peace were these “peace” activists actively hiding the terrorists. The absence of the bad guys was obvious. It was like missing an 800pound gorilla in the middle of a room.

But Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and all the bad boys of al-Quaida were nowhere plastered on the thousands of protest placards; never enunciated in the political speeches; not a word about them sounded in the shouting. The real troublemakers in the world were well hidden.

Oh yes, they shouted that they hated President Bush. They yelled they hated “imperialist” America. And a few bravely showed disgust for our troops by spitting on a vet who recently lost his leg in Iraq.

Wayne

WRITE from West Sweden

But no one—and I mean no one—denounced the terrorists.

The terrorists are the ones causing all the pain and suffering, yet they were never indicted. It’s like the murderers get off scot-free while they put the police on trial.

What kind of court is this? It reminds me of the O.J. trial.

Phony baloney The whole “peace” event was a plate of phony baloney. First the organizers claimed there were hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. The news media honestly reported tens of thousands. Every school kid knows the difference between hundreds and tens and hype.

But most important, these Hollywood celebrities, anti-war activists and other angry peace marchers would never have demonstrated and dressed up in funny costumes if Bill Clinton were in office.

I never saw any rallies when Presi-

dent Clinton was bombing Bosnia. No one raised a protest placard when he pounded sites in Afghanistan and Sudan with cruise missiles. Thousands of innocent people were killed in these attacks. And few “peace” actors made a peep.

Who was and wasn’t there OK, the political hypocrisy is obvious and the terrorists were not invited to the United for Peace rally. It’s just as well.

They’d probably insist on bringing their bombs and blowing up another 3,000.

Besides, they have terrible table manners.

At any important party, it’s telling who’s invited and who isn’t. So it was at this cold gathering.

For sure the standard A-list Hollywood movie stars showed up.

We had inmate Tim Robbins from “The Shawshank Redemption,” his lovely wife Susan Sarandon from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” (my favorite drag movie) and Sean Penn, a fellow native of Santa Monica and an ex of Madonna’s.

And in a joyous epiphany, Jane Fonda resurrected from the ‘70s to appear on stage.

The last time she made such a dramatic appearance was in the summer of 1972, while sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun pointing at

U.S. servicemen. Later that day, “Hanoi Jane” aired on several radio broadcasts denouncing America and supporting the communist regime.

These are the lefties who were invited.

But guess who was not invited to dinner? Conservative and moderate Democrats and Republicans.

Conservative and moderates were a no show because this event was an extreme sham. This charade had nothing to do with uniting people for peace. This pretense was all about extreme left-wingers positioning for ’08.

2008 Elections Get honest and be real. This latest rally had little to do with “peace” and lots to with the presidential elections, which are right around the corner. Democrats captured Congress in the last election and they want to move back into the big house, too. Go for it. Let the games begin and the best policies win.

But spare me the hypocrisy shows, and quit serving the phony baloney.

Lives are at stake around the world in global terrorism. Don’t forget that. Forget blaming President Bush and blame those who are responsible—the terrorists!

••• You can put the blame on the terrorists with Wayne Anderson at: wayneanderson@centurytel.net.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Writers’ Corner It’s The Same Cry

by Dorothy Behringer

All babies cry the same baby cry Whatever land they’re from, Whatever color their skin may be The same kind of cry will come.

Whenever hunger comes to them When alone as they are some days, The same kind of cry can be heard again For each child hurts the same sad ways.

If we can’t be there to mend those hearts From the problems that have no end, We can reach out in some kind way So their hurts and hearts can mend.

If each of us helped in some small way To ease a child’s sad crying, Soon all the world would hear and see The baby’s cry would be, just sighing.

Harry’s Coffee Cup

by Walt Fluegel

On TV detective stories you sometimes see a disclaimer reading something to this effect: “The following account is based upon a true story, only the names and places have been changed to protect the innocent.” Well, the following is a true story, so I have to admit I am the guilty party. I am not innocent, but please don’t let this story get out to Harry, a former colleague of mine. This incident took place at a small college in northern Wisconsin in the Biology Department. The scene is the prep room which housed a steam sterilizer, a sterilizing oven for glassware, a large sink, a table and hardly enough room for a few people at a time especially when a cart full of dirty glassware needed cleaning.

At the end of the table a coffee pot was always on, maintained by a small group of colleagues addicted to coffee.

Imagine someone drinking coffee all day, day after day, week after week and month after month and never, and I mean never, washing his cup! Harry gave his cup the slightest rinse and then hung it on a hook in the prep room. His cup was the thick plastic type, a slate blue color. Inside the cup a patina accumulated. And I mean a deep, dark patina.

Ribbing from his circle of colleagues failed to persuade Harry to do more than rinse his cup. This group of professors used the prep room as an unofficial hangout after classes ended around four in the afternoon. The bubbling coffee made the prep room smell inviting.

I came back to the prep room late one Friday night to make sure the sterilizing oven was turned off. Its timer had been on the blink lately. Before I left the prep room, I noticed Harry’s cup on its hook.

Ohhhhh! What the heck, I thought. Why not!

Within five minutes tops, the deed was done. Yup, I found that a bit of detergent and steel wool did indeed rejuvenate the inside of Harry’s cup. No turning back! But of course, remnants of coffee stain still permeated the plastic. Oh well, it looked much better. After several rinses with hot water, I hung Harry’s cup back on its usual hook. Then I went home.

So Monday came and I had completely forgotten about the cup because it was a busy day for me with meetings, lectures and student microbiology labs. When my final lab class ended later that afternoon, I began to collect glassware so my student helper could get started with cleanup chores.

The afternoon coffee-break group was beginning to assemble in the prep room across the hall from the lab. Over the clatter of picking up glassware and putting it into the cart, I heard laughter from the prep room.

“Who cleaned my coffee cup?” Harry exclaimed. I never heard Harry this agitated. He was usually the jovial kind.

However, on this day, he was in a sour mood all day with his ruined cup in hand.

Hearing the words “coffee cup” refreshed my memory.

Oh, boy! am I in trouble now! I thought. Well, let’s see if I can con my way past this one. I had to go into the prep room eventually with the full cart of glassware.

As I entered the doorway to the prep room I commanded, “Coming through! Coming through! Excuse me! Excuse me!” With that the group left, still joking with Harry about his cup. I was not suspected. I really felt good about the deed I had done. Harry never had a clue as to who cleaned and scoured his cup.

Now if any of this story gets back to my colleagues, I will deny everything and say it was a story told to me by my nephew when he taught at a small college in upstate Minnesota.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to theleader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy. If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-3274236. - Editor It seems to me the funeral is for family and friends. Visitation is for people like me; just some may have left skid marks. waitress who was lucky I grabbed the paper and enough to regularly wait on skimmed the article. I recthem. ognized the name of Twin You could hardly walk for the Cities Flag Source. The masses of humanity. While I name Gene White was faKris still wanted to just put my miliar. My stomach hurt. I arms around Joan, symboliEmerson turned to Page 6 to concally taking a tiny bit of her tinue it, and there was his burden, the line to talk to her smile. was so long! And again, that What an incredible gut feeling that these people thing. This wonderful, are family and friends. Not loving, kind man just just some waitress who holds Gone From This World them in her heart. I signed the like that? Doing what he’s book, left my card and cried in done for years and years? my car.

Standing in exactly the spot the 10My grief is not for Gene. Gene is pound aluminum finial headed as it, for Home. But the aching empty place in no apparent reason at all, came loose the hearts of those touched by him and fell from the top of the flagpole? even briefly, as I was - feels immense.

What?

For Joan, and their children, it is a gapSometimes, when someone dies, we ing wound. hear people say “it was his/her time.”

May God be with them all as they OK. Yeah. But this? This is more than learn to live without one of the greatest that. This is God saying “I need you men I ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Home. Right now.”

Thank you, Gene and Joan, for leaving I checked Friday for an obituary. I such a mark on my heart. wanted to send a card or memorial, beNo matter how small or trivial a concause my life was better for knowing tact we have with others, it really does them. I was surprised and glad that it leave an impression. What kind of imwas being handled in Luck. pression is up to us.

All day, I thought of hugging his wife.

(You can reach Kris via e-mail at maddiI was blessed to serve his children and enick@gmail.com) grandchildren breakfast Monday morning. I left work a bit earlier than usual.

Leaving a mark Back in the good ol’ days at Heroes, we had quite a few regular customers that we loved to see. One of my favorites was a couple who came in nearly every weekend, sometimes both Friday and Saturday, when they were staying at their cabin. Just amazing, wonderful people who gave off vibes of Just Good Stuff. You know how it is when you encounter someone and you feel good stuff or bad stuff or, most often, conflicting stuff coming off them.

But this couple…no matter how horrible the night was going, how nasty any other table might be, when they walked in my heart felt lighter. They brought a smile to my face and a genuine appreciation for working that job at that time.

I knew they owned a flag company in the Cities; they always signed their dinner check and Heroes used their flags.

Of course, when Heroes ended, I lost touch with them. But I never forgot them. Remembering conversations shared with them still could make me smile. They were such lovely people, and I always hoped to cross paths with them again.

On Jan. 26, I was going through the back prep kitchen at work. The Pioneer Press was sitting on the prep table, and the header below the fold jumped out at me. “Flag Repairman Dies in Freak St. Paul Accident.” I stopped so fast I

AS

LUCK

WOULD HAVE IT

ETC.

WEBSTER - How is your eyesight?

And that of your relatives and friends?

If any of you have low vision, you might be interested in a leaflet Tips for Living with Low Vision. If so, call toll free 1-888-879-0017 to request a copy.

This notification is a product of the Webster Lions Club (Paul Poretti, Sight Conservation Committee). - submitted •••

Polk-Burnett invites youth to enter Art is Powerful coloring contest CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett is pleased to announce its 2007 Art is Powerful Youth Coloring Contest for students in grades one through five.

“This contest is fun, challenging and educational,” said Joan O’Fallon, communications director for Polk-Burnett. “It allows young people to express their creativity through color and design, while exploring the thought-provoking question, ‘How does electricity improve my life at home or school?’”

“When children (and adults) take the time to ponder this question, they realize just how important electricity is,” said O’Fallon. “It powers our homes, farms and businesses, our computers, alarm clocks, electric toothbrushes, blow dryers, our dishwashers and microwaves, TVs and stereos, and of course, our lights when doing homework around the kitchen table.

Quite simply, electricity powers the world around us, and Polk-Burnett believes art is a powerful way to express this ideal.”

All contest entries received by the March 15, deadline will be considered for prizes.

One winner from each grade level will receive a $25 award. In addition, one grandprize winner will be selected to receive $50, and his or her artwork will be featured on Polk-Burnett’s 2007 annual meeting coffee mug. This top award-winner will receive 50 mugs for his or her school, and 10 mugs for family and friends. The winning artists will be recognized at Polk-Burnett’s annual meeting in Siren June 2.

Contest entry forms are available online at www.polk-burnett.org and at Polk-Burnett offices in Centuria and Siren. They were also distributed to all area elementary school principals in December. If you have questions about the 2007 Art is Powerful Youth Coloring Contest, please contact Polk-Burnett’s communications department, 800-421-0283, ext. 333. The 2007 youth art contest is funded in part by Touchstone Energy. – from Polk-Burnett

Master gardener volunteers accepting proposals AMERY – Polk County Master Gardener volunteers are looking for potential projects located within the county for the upcoming year. Projects typically undertaken by master gardeners include: beautification projects, horticultural conservation projects, education and outreach, and other types of community service. Master gardener projects in general seek to benefit the greater community rather than an individual.

If your group or organization could use some help, please submit a written proposal to President Fritz Coulter at 761 140th Ave. Amery, WI 54001. Proposals should be brief (typically one page or less), offer a description of the project and who will benefit. Proposal should be received no later than Feb. 12. – submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

The Holmes Catholic Church and Cemetery

by Stanley Selin William Holmes emigrated from Scotland to Minnesota in the 1840s. He married Mary Osagi, an Indian woman, and had nine children. He lived for a time in Sunrise, Minn. He moved to Wisconsin in 1864, homesteading 160 acres on the west side of what is known today as Holmes Lake, located on the border of Trade Lake and Anderson townships.

One of his sons, George, was born on Sept. 2, 1848, at Sunrise. When George Holmes was 16 years old, he began working in the woods for the Abraham Nelson logging operation in Taylors Falls. Abe Nelson was the first to cut down the virgin white pine timber in the Trade River area. Holmes was wellliked and people used to ask him questions about logging, weather and crop

Mary Osagi Holmes, wife of William Holmes. – Photos submitted

George Holmes sitting next to his wife Catherin Cloud (Newanenekwe) about 1930. The ladies are offering hand-made pillows for sale.

Logging at Trade River in 1905. Pete Anderson, Oscar Selander and Henry Holmes. Henry and his brother Willie, sons of George Holmes, were two strong-armed brothers, who could cut timber almost as fast as the chain saws of today. Photo from the book “Strolling Through A Century.”

The Sacred Heart Mission Chapel, an Indian Catholic church built about 1890 and dismantled in 1940.

conditions. His answers were often right and were always colorful. He gestured with his hands and arms, indicating that many pine logs were over three feet in diameter in the early days.

By the late 1800s, Catholic missionares in the Trade River area had made a number of conversions among the Ojibwe (Chippewa) tribe, so plans were made to erect a chapel or small church.

In 1890, a parcel of land was purchased and the Sacred Heart Mission Church was established. Best known in the Indian history of this church was George Holmes, who was very involved in the affairs of the church. His love of the

Catholic faith was so great that he spent all the time he could telling his fellow men about the teachings of the church.

The Sacred Heart Mission Church was used until about 1920, when the mission was closed. By this time, there were few Indians remaining in the area. The chapel was torn down about 1940, but on the church grounds the Holmes Catholic Indian Cemetery remains to this day. George Holmes died on Nov. 13, 1935, at the age of 87 years. Six children preceded him in death.

The Holmes Catholic Indian Cemetery lot in Anderson Township is owned and maintained by the Diocese of Superior. Records show the hill on which the church stood has 14 known graves. George and Catherin Holmes are buried here.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Read ‘em and smile Quotes from the 1950s: “I’ll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a week’s groceries for $20.”

“Have you seen the new cars coming out next year?

It won’t be long when $5,000 will only buy a used one.”

“If cigarettes keep going up in price, I’m going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.”

“Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?”

“The government is wanting to get its hands on everything. Pretty soon it’s going to be impossible to run a family business or farm.”

“If they raise the minimum wage to $1, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.”

“When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 50 cents a gallon.

Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in the garage.”

“Kids today are impossible. Those duc tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.”

“Also, their music drives me wild. This ‘Rock Around The Clock’ thing is nothing but racket.”

“I’m afraid to send my kids to the movies anymore.

Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying ‘damn’ in ‘Gone with the Wind’, it seems every movie has a ‘hell’ or ‘damn’ in it.”

“Also, it won’t be long until couples are sleeping in the same bed in the movies. What is this world coming to?”

“Pretty soon you won’t be able to buy a good 10cent cigar.”

“I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas.”

“Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball?

It wouldn’t surprise me if someday they’ll be making more than the president.”

“Do you suppose television will ever reach our part of the country?”

“I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.”

“It’s too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.”

“It won’t be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.”

“I’ll tell you one thing. If my kids ever talk back to me, they won’t be able to sit down for a week.”

“Did you know the new church in town is allowing women to wear pants to their service?”

“Next thing you know, the government will start paying us not to grow crops.”

“I’m just afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.”

“Thank goodness I won’t live to see the day when the government takes half our income in taxes.”

“I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to Congress.”

“Why in the world would you want to send your daughter to college? Isn’t she going to get married? It would be different if she could be a doctor or a lawyer.”

Bernice “I just hate to see the young Abrahamzon people smoking. As I tell my kids, don’t take a cigarette from anyone. You never know what might be in it.

“The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.”

“There is no sense going to St. Louis or Omaha anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly $15 a night to stay in a hotel.”

“No one can afford to be sick anymore and $35 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood.”

“If a few idiots want to risk their necks flying across the country that’s fine, but nothing will ever replace trains.”

“I don’t know about you, but if they raise the price of coffee to 15 cents, I’ll just have to drink mine at home.”

“If they think I’ll pay 50 cents for a haircut, forget it.

I’ll have my wife learn to cut hair.”

“We won’t be going out much anymore. Our babysitter informed us she now wants 50 cents an hour. Kids think money grows on trees.”

“Cars which dim their lights by sensors, automatic transmissions, and who knows what else? Pretty soon they will have electric windows.

Courtesy of the Internet and Bob W.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Over the Hill & On a Roll

From book by same name

Age is the best possible fire extinguisher for flaming youth. Old folks know more about being young than young folks know about being old.

There’s not much wrong with the younger generation that becoming a parent and a taxpayer won’t cure.

The best time for a man’s ship to come in is before he’s too old to navigate.

An old timer is someone who can remember every detail of his life story but can’t remember how many times he’s told it to the same person.

One way a man can tell whether or not he’s reached middle age is to baybsit for his first grandchild.

home.

• Turning down the thermostat to 64 degrees before leaving home.

• Using major appliances after 8 p.m., when electricity demand is lower.

“Our customers have helped us through similar situations in the past, and we look to them to help us maintain the integrity of their electricity system,” said Mike Swenson, president and CEO of Northern States Power Co.-Wisconsin, an Xcel Energy company.

“Turning off all lights and appliances that are not essential to health and safety will help us meet everyone’s electricity needs without service interruptions. We at Xcel Energy – and your friends and neighbors – thank you.” — from Xcel Energy

Wisconsin Interstate Park news

ST. CROIX FALLS – A popular program for preschool children and their parents has started again this winter at Wisconsin Interstate Park. Thursdays at 10 a.m., January through March, naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with preschoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s naturerelated theme. Nature story time will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. “It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year,” commented Fox. Participants may spend

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Milltown Lutheran Busy Bees held their annual meeting in early January. Officers were Mrs. Clarence Williamson, Mrs. Ray DeWolf, Mrs. Ernie Muller, Mrs. Elroy Rundle.- Mr. and Mrs. Niels Peterson celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at the West Denmark Parish Hall on Jan. 27, 1957.-Three escaped through window when car dropped through the ice of Wood Lake.-Carl W. Peterson, West Sweden pioneer died at the age of 74 years.-Sheep Breeders awarded a trophy to David Anderson of Joel as he had done well with his flock of sheep for eight years in 4-H.-Three girls were wanted at the Frederic Hospital to train as nurses aides.-Everything was set for the Frederic Winter Carnival with the ice-racing program moved to the lake for better track.-Wallin Implement, Centuria, advertised John Deere new and used machinery.– Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included wieners at 39 cents lb., beef and grapefruit at 10 for 49 cents.–Cloverfarm specials at Frederic included cake mixes at 3 pkgs. for 89 cents, Date Bar and Brownie Mix at 2 pkgs. for 69 cents and flour at $3.39 for 50 lbs. paper bag.

40 Years Ago The second blizzard of winter was followed by extreme cold.– Lillian Dell King Hunter of Clam Falls passed away at the age of 86 years. She was survived by two sons of Clam Falls, Guyan of Clam Falls, Ralph of Lewis, and four daughters, Irene, Florence, Melva and Bernice.– Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Shirley of Bone Lake celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Jan. 3 at the Bone Lake Lutheran Church.– A Community Choral group organized Jan. 19 at Frederic.– Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included Charmin tissue at 4 rolls for 29 cents, hamburger at 2 lbs. for 79 cents, and coffee at 2 lbs. for $1.19.– The film “Waco” was playing at the Frederic Theatre. The coming film was “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” starring James Stewart, John Wayne and Lee Marvin.– An auction was held Jan. 23 for the Herbert Westlund Estate held at Almena with 38 good Holstein and Guernsey cattle, tractors and machinery, dairy equipment, car and truck on the listing.–A coin show was held at Holiday Inn, St. Paul, Feb. 4-5 with free admission and free parking.–The end of January was the time for filing for wool marketings.–Traffic patrol and civil defense would share one building at Spooner.–Funeral services were held for Mrs. Emil Wiik at Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church, Webster.–Obituaries included Hilma Larson, George Hoen, Donald Sloper and Minerva Maffit.

20 Years Ago

Xcel Energy asks customers to curb electricity use EAU CLAIRE – Xcel Energy is asking customers in its Upper Midwest service territory, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, to conserve electricity for the next few days as arctic temperatures cover the area.

The utility company urges consumers to limit their electricity use in order to reduce the strain on the power grid. Below-zero temperatures are expected to continue this week. Xcel Energy has sufficient electricity supplies for now, but it is possible that electricity reserves could tighten as people begin to use more during evening hours.

Customers can help avoid an electricity shortage by: • Turning off unneeded lights, computers and appliances.

• Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees or below at

Do you remember ?

time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. The event is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2007 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents.

Daily passes are $7 for residents or $10 for nonresidents. Hourly passes are $5. For more information about the evening, call Julie at 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

Obituaries included Elmer “Swede” Osell, Adolph J. Denn, Ruby Greenlee, Edith Arvidson, Rudolph Marek Sr., Helene Chamberlain, Vance Benjamin and Raymond Peterson.–The Indian Creek 4-H Club performed “America the Beautiful” at the Polk County 4H Music Festival at Luck. They also presented a centennial flag. In the group were Lynn Sommerfeld, Troy Schmidt, Bryce Gibson, Katie Blake and Bryan Gibson.–A new TV repair shop was located next to the Frederic IGA Store.–The first baby of the year was Bridget Clare Holliday, and Gudrun Johnson was pictured giving the mother and baby a pretty pastel sweater handknit by Mary Burford, a member of the Frederic Hospital Auxiliary.–Clifford Pardun, Webster Village Board president decided not to seeker election.– Cable TV hookup at Siren was delayed by slow converter delivery.–Record warm temperatures in mid-January.– A reduction in forestry funding was a handicap in Burnett County.–A headline read “State farmers poorer, but with more cash.” (Seems contradictory doesn’t it?).–The Bone Lake Beavers 4-H Club presented “Snow White and her Thirteen Dwarfs” at Luck and would go on to Talent Explosion at Eau Clarie. –Stephanie Zmuda was the club reporter for the Sand Lake 4-H club.

Brought to you by

OLSEN & SON

Serving the community since 1882

Siren Drug Store Pharmacy Phone 349-2221 • Fax 349-7350

Tom Moore, Owner Tom Giswold, Pharmacist

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 320-242-3933 With the romantic holiday of Valentine’s Day coming down the pike out here in the townships of Arna and New Dosey, the crew at the Hay Creek Outpost is planning a little celebration for us. They will don the tables with white tablecloths and candles and, beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, we can go to a Valentine’s party. We will order off the menu, of course, but the décor and hearts and flowers mood will be provided by the Outpost.

The East Pine County Wanderers, our senior group, met at the Arna Town Hall last Wednesday. Esther and Jim Vink provided the birthday cake and door prize. January birthdays were Evelyn Johnson and Leon Berg. The prize, a box of Valentine chocolates, was won by Mert Peschong. County commissioners Roger Nelson and Doug Carlson are on deck to speak at our Feb. 28 meeting.

Jenny Carlin, daughter of Beverly and Ed, brought her city boyfriend, Robbie, up for the weekend recently. Robbie had never seen a cow or pig before. Jenny, a nurse at AbbottNorthwestern Medical Center, lives in Princeton.

Cloverton - Markville As town chair of Arna, Dave Drake attended a meeting with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe on Jan. 31. He said the purpose of the meeting was to continue to maintain positive relations with the band. He found the meeting to be both interesting and worthwhile.

Agnes Sexton went down to Jeffers, Minn., recently to attend the funeral of her last surviving uncle, Albert Kuiper.

Jennifer Hanson, Sandstone, granddaughter of Emma and Peter Fornengo, came out recently with her son, Trenton, 8-months old, to spend a wonderful day with them.

The flu has been keeping Darlene Merimonte down these days and she hasn’t been doing much else.

It was with sadness that my husband, Dave Baker, and I noted the passing of two good men – Larry Maser and David Heillor.

Dave has known Larry since their days in the co-op experience in the ‘70s. I met him when he refinished some small pieces of furniture for us. He was an intelligent, sensitive and friendly person who gave me a tour of the landscaping he and his wife, Ceci, had done on their lovely grounds in Berry Township.

I met Dave Heillor when I first began writing this column. We also had the chance to see him play his fiddle at barn dances. Always ready with a hug and eyes that smiled, he was someone I liked immediately.

Another tour my daughter and I took in Thailand was to see the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson, an American businessman and OSS (now CIA) member during WWII, parachuted into Thailand in 1946

Fran Levings right at the end of the war. He became so fond of Thailand that he stayed and built the Thai Silk Company. In 1967, at the age of 61, while on vacation at a resort in Malaysia, he went for a walk and has not been seen since.

The home that he built was an exquisite and unique Thai home. I will never forget it and will always wonder what became of Mr. Thompson.

Pack it in, wherever you are.

A Waiting Child

Thomas

County: Sauk Date of birth: Oct. 15, 1991 If you ask Thomas, he’ll tell you that he knows just what he’s looking for in an adoptive family: a family who likes baseball and has pets, a mom who likes to bake, and a place where he can insti-

tute game night or go boating. Thomas loves the country and would like to live in a house with a porch. He is an active and energetic boy, and he is more than happy to be helpful, especially if that means he can be outside.

Thomas likes swimming, fishing, riding his bike, sports, building things, computer games and television. He also enjoys animals, especially dogs and cats. There are times when he gets distracted by one activity, such as his Game Boy, and will stay focused on that for as long as allowed. Thomas has a good sense of humor and, while he does not often initiate affection or emotion, he will reciprocate such actions.

He has a cautiously optimistic attitude toward being adopted and wants to be involved in the process. Thomas would to best in a home where he would be the youngest child.

For more information about Thomas, or other children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, 800-762-8063, or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center We have been in a deep freeze for a week or so. I hope it is short-lived. I don’t mind the snow, but this cold is something else.

Our Jan. 30, domino winners were: Don Anderson in first place, Deloris Benson in second place, George Meixner in third place.

500 card winners were: Lonnie Jones in first place, Charles Zeigler in second place, Donna Lindh in third place, Mildred Lundberg in fourth place.

Feb. 22, AARP tax aide will be at our center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. And again on March 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. If help is needed, call the center for an appointment or call Marvin Nevala at 268-7884 to schedule

home visits for the homebound persons.

Add LIFE to your years is a campaign designed to change the way life in aging is visualized – Laughter – Independence – Friends – and Energy. We need to take the focus of again and again and focus on behaviors of living. People who have a positive attitude toward aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who view it in a negative light.

The Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Cliff Qaulle in first place, Phil Mevissen in second place, Elroy Petzel in third place.

Have a great day!!.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Happy Tails Await

Madison/Winter Jean and Wayne Boatman of Luck and Dale Madison of Centuria, are proud to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their son, Jesse Madison, to Lynn Winter. Jesse is a 1993 graduate of Unity School. He then attended Minneapolis Technical College in Minneapolis, Minn., for photography and mass media. He is now a freelance media person. He also operates cable cam for Sunday Night Football throughout the football season.

Lynn graduated in 1996 from Northfield, Minn. She graduated from Hamline University. She is now a production manager for TPT, Channel 2 in St. Paul, Minn. Lynn is also a freelance camera person and does many hockey and basketball games.

The couple resides in Maplewood, Minn., and will be living there after they are married.

A Feb. 17, 2007, wedding is planned.

Siren Senior Center

349-7249

Barb Munger

I am happy to report that the monthly Dining at Five dinner was its usual success.

Shirley did an outstanding job with her delicious chicken and dumplings and all the fixings. We appreciate to all the volunteers who contributed to make it a dining pleasure, Jane Wilcox who assisted in setting us for all the diners, Della and Ed Smythe, Nona and Ralph Severson, Lou Jappe, Lorraine Haaf and Barb Munger for all the labors that went in to dishing up, serving and cleaning up. And of course, Shirley for your excellent cooking and Mary for all the extra dishes that you had to wash.

We have a new happy face in the kitchen this week. Gerry Vogel will be our new substitute cook, replacing Bev Twingstrom. Welcome Gerry.

Newest item at the center is a neat lamp that Abby and Don Brand have loaned us and placed on our fireplace mantle. It really is a work of art and all of the fellows out there will enjoy it as it has a fishing theme. Come and see!

The center had a visit this week from two registered nurses that are interested in having a foot clinic at the center. From what I understand their prices will be comparable to the services that are performed at the government center. I hear sometimes it is hard to make an appointment there because of the demand, so it is a thought that we can toss around and see if there would be any takers in the area interested in this service. A brochure explaining the services and costs is on display at the center, so if you are interested stop in.

349-2964

Remember the tax assistants are at the center on the first and third Thursdays from 1 – 4 p.m. It is on a numbering system. One thing you should remember that if you take a number you have to stay at the center until it is your turn. The assistants will be at the center next on Thursday, Feb. 15.

The senior monthly meeting will be held on Feb. 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. This is the day we also celebrate our monthly birthday people with birthday cake.

Gratitude to all the people who brought in books and cards this month. Everyone is welcome to come in and check out our library and visit the craft room.

Tuesday’s dime bingo brought out 16 players last week with Don Brand doing the calling.

Wednesday 500 cards winners were; Don Antiel, Barb Munger, Herb Sederlund and Ed Berdal. Nona Severson and Jim Bly treated the players with candy to go with the other snacks. Also Arvid and Inez Pearson brought cards from Grand Casino for all of our players.

Friday Spade winners were Lucille Chelmo, Clara Palomaki, Anke Olesen and Gerry Vogel. Marge Nyberg treated the players to brownies and Lou Jappe brought in some of his famous cookies for all of us to enjoy.

Get-well wishes to Helmi Larson and Abby Brand.

Remember dime bingo on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Cards on Wednesday and Friday beginning at 1 p.m. Any questions, call the center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 349-7810.

Siren

Brrr…How are you all faring out in this frigid weather? Me, I’m sitting home and keeping the furnace full of wood. Old Man Winter must have felt we needed a little jolt of reality as to just what time of year it is. The only hope we have is that the groundhog not seeing his shadow this year might mean spring isn’t far away.

The Siren Methodist Church UMW ladies held the January birthday party at Capeside Nursing Home last Wed., Jan. 31, for all residents born in January. Bingo was played with ice-cream cones served.

Sympathy to the family of Elwood C. Olson who passed away Jan. 9.

Sympathy to the family of Julia Abbott who passed away Jan. 23.

The Webster Lioness Club will host a Valentine’s Day luncheon/bingo/card party on Sat., Feb. 10, at the Webster Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served at noon, cost is $4 with free bingo and cards following. Everyone is welcome, even the kids.

Bev Beckmark

The Brask Fossum Janke American Legion Post 185 will host the 14th-annual Ice-Fishing Contest on big Wood Lake Sat., Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes for the largest northern, bass, crappie and sunfish, plus a $50 prize for the first dogfish, a $5 prize for the first 40 fish caught by kids 15 and under. Plus many other great prizes. Tickets for this event is $5.

Congratulations to elementary student Cassie Maslow, middle schooler Makayla Reynolds and senior Jesse Gilbertson, for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

Little Emma Grace Peterson, the new arrival of Waldora Road, made her debut on Sat., Feb. 3, at a baby shower in her honor at the home of hostess and aunt Missy Peterson.

Her three great-grandmothers, Gwen Peterson, Carol Juve and Mary Kvanlick, plus two grandmas, Mary Nelson and Marge Peterson, plus a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends meeting little Emma Grace who arrived on Dec. 26 to Dan and Karla Peterson.

Duke is an 8-year-old, neutered, male, yellow Lab. He has a few years under his belt, but it doesn’t slow him down. Duke is a mature fetching machine with extensive retrieval training.

He will swing around and sit on your left, allowing you to gently remove the thrown item from his mouth. Duke loves attention and will lean against you with his big heart on his sleeve. To solicit desirable attention, he will sidle up to you and lay his head in your lap.

Last week we were ecstatic to report that Duke had been adopted. Unfortunately, he was returned because a member of his new family had an allergic reaction to him. So a lucky someone has a second chance to adopt this wonderful fellow. He would make an excellent companion to just about anyone, young or old. He will require tender loving care fitting of his age, but he will reward his new family with the maturity only an older dog can give.

Teaching your pooch to fetch like Duke, is a fun game for both of you. It will provide you with a way to interact with and exercise your dog. As natural “chasers,” most dogs love this game. In fact, some dogs prefer chasing a ball to eating treats!

To teach your dog to fetch, you’ll need something safe to throw and safe for your dog to carry, like a tennis ball or knotted rope. It helps if you have previously established some training tools that will ask your dog for attention, like the commands “Sit” and “Come” and the ever-important eye contact. Use delicious treats to reward these behaviors to ensure they will be repeated.

To teach your dog to fetch, stand in

Duke one place and as you throw the object a few feet, yell “fetch,” so your dog starts to learn what the word means.

You can throw it farther as he catches on. He should chase the object and pick it up. Now call your dog to “Come” and make him “Sit” while still holding the fetched ball. Gently take the ball from his mouth as you say “Drop It.” When he does, heap loads of praise on him.

Whatever you do, don’t chase him.

If you do, he’ll only learn the fun of a new game called Keep Away. Likewise, never start a game of Tug-of-War. Offer him a treat as you ask him to drop it. Stick to your guns; reward only the correct response. When the fun continues after he releases, he will soon realize that he has to give the ball to you or the game will end. Once he knows that fun will follow, he should eagerly drop the object again and again.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E, Amery, 715-268-7387 or online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

Hello, Fritz here! Well, my singing buddy Dundee went home this week.

A nice family from Minnesota came to adopt him. He was singing a happy woo-woo as they drove off! Otherwise, it’s been a really quiet week here at the shelter. I think all the humans must be at home curled up next to their fireplace or furnace!

This is a great opportunity to tell everyone that not only is Valentine’s Day in February it’s also Spay and Neuter Month! And, trust me, the two go hand-in-hand. You’re thinking how is that possible? Us canines and felines can’t be happy about being spayed or neutered. Oh contraire, my two-legged friend! Even us four-legged, fur balls are smart enough to know that spaying and neutering pets is very important!

Did you know that 10 to 12 million of us dogs and cats are euthanized every year simply because there’s too many of us and not enough homes? 12 million! Please, please help stop this massacre of my friends and relatives, have

you pet spayed or neutered.

Besides, saving lives, a spayed or neutered animal tends to live a longer, healthier life. It also reduces unwanted behaviors such as fightspraying and Fritz ing, roaming in pets.

NEWS FROM You can also help reduce the number of unwanted pets by supporting your local shelter. When you’re ready for a furry friend, seriously consider adopting a dog or cat from a shelter rather than supporting and encouraging more breeders. So show your pet you care, spay or neuter! It’s the best thing you can do for your furry companion and pets everywhere!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

YOUR SHELTER

Harvesting Alternative Energy final seminar of safari series SPOONER — Will energy production be part of Wisconsin’s agriculture future? According to Pat Walsh, UW-Extension energy specialist, farmers in the state may have new opportunities to grow energy. Walsh will be presenting Harvesting Alternative Energy: trends and possible opportunities for on-farm production and use on Friday, Feb. 9, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Spooner Ag Research Station. This is the final topic of a four-week Northern Safari of Ag Specialist series sponsored by UW-Extension.

The seminar will focus on mega trends, such as world oil peak, global warming, and the carbon economy to

help farmers and others understand agriculture’s role in participating in energy production.

Whether you have an interest in growing corn to sell to ethanol plants or raising oil seed crops for bio-diesel production, Walsh’s discussion will shed some light on the challenges and opportunities for local production of energy.

There is no cost for the program, and they are open to the general public.

Preregistration is requested but not required, for more information contact Kevin Schoessow or Otto Wiegand at the Spooner Area UW-Extension Office at 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914 . — from UW-Extension

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281 Despite below-zero temperatures Sunday morning, a few brave souls turned up for church services. The choir, reduced to a sextet, sang “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” It was also Communion Sunday.

Lunch was served by Robin Peterson after services.

Next Sunday the Bible study group will sponsor a pancake breakfast open to the public in the church fellowship hall.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Freewill offering. You are invited to come and enjoy pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee, plus chatting with others.

The administrative church board met last Wednesday, with many questions and answers. Robin Petersen was selected as chairman of the finance committee.

Writing about a valentine memory is the assignment for the Friday, Feb. 9 meeting of the NW Regional Writers. They will meet at 1 p.m. in the community room of Sunrise Apartments, Frederic. Please mark calendars.

LaVerne Leep was up bright and early Saturday to baby-sit Ethan and Emmy Midbrod at the Lee Mangelsen home. Lee and Carol had their mail routes to run, and LaVerne was happy to be with two of her great-grandchildren.

A fire Saturday morning destroyed a small barn on the Ted Pax place on the edge of Lewis on CTH E. Fire engines from three communities responded.

Jennifer Lenz spent the weekend at home from her studies at UW-Superior. A friend, Brad, accompanied her and they attended church together Sunday morning. He found the Lewis church small and friendly.

Old-timers remember when it was nothing unusual to have sub-zero temperatures almost the whole month of February in the “olden days.” People adjusted and took it for granted here in northwestern Wisconsin.

Saturday’s Gun Show at Siren drew a good crowd. It was sponsored by the North Fork Sportsmen’s Club.

Last Monday’s Scrabble club was cancelled because so many players were ill or still recovering from surgery.

Happy belated birthday to Mabel Sutton. Wonder if it was this cold the day she was born in Nebraska. Ice cream and cake were served in her honor at the Frederic Care Center.

Dorothy Glockzin has been a patient at the hospital in Grantsburg as her meds need to be evaluated and put in balance.

Happy birthday was sung to Sylvia Schaetzel on Sunday during an informal moment in church, and also to Mabel Sutton, in her absence, but in our hearts.

Many readers have asked about your correspondent’s puppy, Molly. She is no longer a puppy and had to be licensed this year. She is not a fuzzy-haired springer spaniel but has

Bernice Abrahamzon a smooth coat. She gets cold outside and throws herself against the kitchen door. Unlike Sammy, the beagle, she doesn’t bark to get in, just keeps banging on the door. She doesn’t think much of this cold weather.

Reminding you of the book sale at the Frederic Library both Thursday and Friday, starting at 10 a.m. both days until closing. Reportedly, they have a ton of books for sale. Wonderful finds!

Snuggling up with a good book is the next best thing to having a valentine moment.

And last but not least, the Good Cheer Club will meet Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the home of Dellories Potter. Ladies, remember to bring your red gifts for the Bunco game. It’s always so much fun to play. Inexpensive items, but must be red.

There must be something about February that encourages red as many of Sunday’s worshippers at Lewis wore red that day. Credit St. Valentine with that! In midwinter there’s a craving for color in a black-and-white world. Thank goodness for the evergreen trees to add another color to the landscape.

Area schools were closed Monday on account of the cold.

Perhaps it also stopped the flu bug from making his rounds.

Webster Senior Center It was chilly but sunny and a good day to be out as 30 members of the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society met on Tuesday and enjoyed the food and hospitality of Amanda and Steve Yantes, new owners of the Yellow River Saloon and Eatery, Webster. We welcomed new pink-hatter member, Jenna (Harstad) Erickson, who accompanied vice queen mother Jeanette Olson and member, Jean Bickford. We also welcomed Anita Hickey of Roundup, Mont., who has been visiting her sister, Jane Tomnitz. Marty Janey was unable to attend as she and husband, Mike, had just returned home from vacationing in the Florida Keyes, and was tired and had too much to do. You’re supposed to come home rested and ready to go, Marty. We hope to see you next time! We were happy to have Eldora Brown back with us as she recently returned home from the home of her son, Garvin, in Chetek.

Garvin’s wife, Mary, is slowly recovering with therapy.

After singing our Red Hat song, we sang “Happy Birthday” to members Karen Brooks, Berenice Quernemoen, Elva Hughes and Jeanette Olson. The traveling purple birthday hat was passed on to Eldora Brown to wear for her February birthday. Mary Poretti made the mistake of showing up wearing no red hat so she had to bear the penalty of wearing a beautiful pair of silk red panties on her head. Mary was very gracious and good-natured about it and wore them with great dignity. There was a picture taken of her to be put in our photo album for posterity. (Sorry Mary, this was just too good not to write about).

Queen Mother Mary Klar read some amusing misquotes taken from church newspapers. One was, “Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.” Thelma Klugow read a poem titled “Christmas at Rockaway Ranch.” Jean Bickford had a hilarious Ole and Lena joke and we all had fun reading our Ole and Lena fortune cookie fortunes and jokes.

Door prizes were won by Dee Troutman, Donna Doriott, Judy Reese and Gladys Beers. There was no Ms. Hattie report as she is still in hibernation. VQ Jeanette announced that there will be a Crazy About Red and Purple luncheon and style show on March 25 at Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino, Prior Lake, Minn. Call Jeanette as soon as possible for infor-

mation if you are interested in going. The next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at noon with the place to be confirmed shortly.

A good number of people were at the center playing dime bingo on Wednesday despite the continuing chilly weather.

My son-in-law, Kurt Anderson, took me to Siren to pick up two chairs that Fern Woods did a beautiful job reupholstering for me. The rocking chair and footstool for my bedroom were done in deep plum and I’m contemplating decorating my bedroom red-hat style.

The men had a great time at Thursday evening pool with Harold Peterson, Chuck Lehman, Dave Wardean, Gene Johnson, Ken Hayes and Pat O’Brien playing. Mert Kisselburg, Donna Lehman, Joyce Smith, Gladys Beers, Nancy O’Brien, Jane Wardean and Margel Ruck all had lots of laughs and fun playing cards while I sat at home in my recliner napping. I fell asleep watching Wheel of Fortune and woke up too late to go in and join them. Elden was napping also so he couldn’t remind me. Oh well, you snooze, you lose.

I heard that they had a lot of yummies too.

After lunch on Friday, Jane Wardean, Gladys Beers, Margel Ruck and I decorated the center in a Valentine’s Day theme Afterward, we had an impromptu meeting to make plans for our Saturday, Feb. 17, free luncheon and free bingo party.

Lunch will be served promptly at noon with 15 games of bingo and prizes following. Jerry Vogel was there after subcooking for Deb, and he graciously volunteered (arm twisted) to be our bingo caller.

On Friday evening, Elden and I enjoyed takeout walleye dinners from the Yellow River Saloon and Eatery, and it was sooo delicious that I know I will go back for more.

Feet First, Inc., who are registered nurse providers certified in foot and nail care, will be scheduling foot and nail care clinics at our senior center on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop by our center to get your name on the signup sheet if you are interested. The next three dates are Feb. 20, March 6 and 20. It will cost $20, that includes therapeutic foot wrap, diabetes foot exam, nail trim, corn and callus debridement, foot care instruction and massage. Salle Bachmann, RN, and Marcia Spies, LPN, will be providing these services.

Candlelight night at the park ST. CROIX FALLS – The Friends of Interstate Park invite you to Candlelight Night at the Park on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 6 – 9 p.m.

Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails. Come when you can, ski at your own pace on the Quarry Cross-Country Ski Trail.

Snowshoers will discover the winter solitude of Lake O’ the Dalles (snowshoes are available for use free of charge for ages 6 and up). Hikers can enjoy a candlelit walk beside the St. Croix River. There will be hiking opportunities no matter the snow conditions!

468-2520

This is an event you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendar today and plan to attend Candlelight Night at the Park on Saturday evening, Feb. 10.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. The event is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2007 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. Daily passes are $7 for residents or $10 for nonresidents.

Hourly passes are $5. For more information about the evening, call Julie at 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

Dewey - LaFollette

Hank and Karen Mangelsen called on Sue and Roger Mroszak Tuesday morning. That afternoon they visited Clarence Sexton.

Wednesday evening, Judy Albee, Beverly Brunclik and Thelma Johnson were supper guests of Don and Eleanor Grunnes.

Don and Lida Nordquist visited John Mangelsen at the Cumberland hospital Friday night. Donna and Gerry Hines visited him there Sunday afternoon.

Beverly Brunclik was at the home of Judy Albee Friday for supper.

Hank Mangelsen visited Dirk and Sandy Benzer Saturday morning.

Karen Mangelsen

Supper guests of Judy Albee Saturday were Frank and Carole Jones and Al and Judy Kempin. After Frank washed the dishes, they played some cards.

Dave, April, Patty and Mandy Close and Jake, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen had supper with Karen and Hank Mangelsen Saturday.

Congratulations to Tom and Sunshine Crosby on the birth Sunday of their first child, a son, Isaac Thomas. Paternal grandparents are Beth and Garry Crosby.

Gerry and Donna Hines and Hank and Karen Mangelsen were supper guests of Lida and Don Nordquist Sunday. They then all watched the Super Bowl together.

Mary Klar Our gratitude goes out to the unknown gentleman from the DNR, Webster, that snow-blowed our front entry and sidewalk on Monday; Harold Peterson and Bruce Behrens who also shoveled snow later in the week; Gladys Beers for filling our candy dish; and the unknown donors of two bags of aluminum cans.

Our get-well wishes and prayers go out to (Ruth) Brownie Sears, Kathy Beyer, Arlene Clendening and Norma and Bud Martin. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to the families of Larry Reese and Louise Glass in their recent passing.

Many people know that they have a spiritual need, but they are reluctant to make a personal commitment to Christ. They see what faith in god has done for others, but they are confused. Some think they have to join or be baptized in a certain church, others simply think they only need to live a good life and do good deeds for others, or just obey the Ten Commandments. All they really need to do is confess that they are sinners, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and place their trust in him. We are saved not by what we do but by trusting (having faith) what Christ has done. “…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”-1 Corinthians 13:13. “Courage is also a great virtue, because if you haven’t courage, you may not have the opportunity to use any of the others.”-Samuel Johnson. See you at the center!

Fran Krause

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

Area schools were closed on Monday because of the cold weather.

On Wednesday, Mike and Bob O’Brien helped their brother, Tim, move his belongings in Duluth, Minn., to Charlotte, N.C., where he is a toxicologist with the GHD Company. They all had supper at Jack and Lavonne O’Brien’s Wednesday evening. Sunday Mike and Tylyn were dinner guests with them.

Last Sunday, Jack and Jeri Witzany entertained Elaine Paulus and Betty Kulbeck for dinner.

Randy and Annette Hedrick hosted their friends at their annual Super Bowl party on Sunday.

Dianne Gravesen visited Maxine Stone last week.

Deanna Krause attended a track clinic at Milwaukee with Webster track coaches on Friday and Saturday.

The Mark Krause family had supper at Fran Krause’s on Saturday evening.

Frederic Senior Center

Ardyce Knauber

It was cold on Monday, Feb. 5, but we had a good number of spade players. Don and Sylvia Heavey treated us to hot dogsd.

The winners of spades were: first Elinor Bonneville, second Mave Lurek, third Willis Williams and fourth Arnie Borchert.

The pokeno players play 1 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday.

They enjoy the game and fun being together.

Winners from 500 played on Thursday, Feb. 1 were: first Shirley Sandquist, second Flo Antiel, third Lola Hinschberger and fourth Elinor Bonneville.

Our monthly meeting was held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2. We enjoyed our center decorated for Valentine’s Day including our “Love” tree.

We had a special treat sent to us to enjoy by Clarence Marek, her new recipe for orange bars. They were really delicious. She also treated us to a lovely cake for our Saturday share-a-lunch. Saturday was cold, but 23 hardy seniors turned out for lunch and games.

Remember that tax aides will be here on Feb. 8 and March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

SCF Drama presents “Bye, Bye Birdie” ST. CROIX FALLS – Remember the days of poodle skirts, bobby socks, slicked back hair and “getting pinned”? Take a stroll down memory lane as St. Croix Falls High School Drama presents the energy-filled musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at the historic Festival Theatre on March 22-24 and March 29-30.

The well-known Broadway show tells the story of singer Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley-type teen idol, who is about to be drafted into the army. His agent, Albert Peterson, faces bankruptcy without his star performer (and only client). So Albert’s faithful secretary and fiancée, Rose Alvarez, plans a publicity stunt before Conrad heads off to the army – he will bid farewell to a “typical” teenage girl chosen randomly from his adoring fan club. When Kim McAfee is chosen for the honor, her quiet little town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, is turned upside down by the chaos that ensues. Screaming fans, an overprotective father, a jealous boyfriend, a starstruck mother, and an overwhelmed rock star all come together in a hilarious tale of adolescent love and middle age nostalgia.

St. Croix Falls High School’s production of the awardwinning musical will feature Isaac Bont in the title role as Conrad Birdie, Steven Tucker as Albert Peterson, Mary Ryan as Rose Alverez, Paige Gutzmer as Kim McAfee, Eric Roush as Harry McAfee, Brenna Martens

Flag lowered Feb. 3 Flags in the state were lowered from sunrise to sunset Saturday, Feb. 3, as a mark of respect for Lance Corporal Andrew Matus, a Wisconsin resident and member of the U.S. Marine Corps who was killed in action in Iraq Jan. 21. Matus was a member of the Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force. He was buried Saturday, Feb. 3, and Gov. Jim Doyle ordered that both the U.S. and state flags be flown at half staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations in his honor. – Information submitted

New chancellor takes on binge drinking LA CROSSE - The new chancellor at UW-La Crosse says he looks forward to working with the community to tackle the issue of binge drinking.

Chancellor Joe Gow says there are no easy answers to a problem that is a concern on every college campus in America. He says the Mississippi River makes it a different factor in La Crosse where several young men have drowned in recent years after drinking too much.

Gow says fighting binge drinking is really an education issue: one he’s tried to address in the classroom in the past.

He says it’s not as simple as asking bars to do something like end late-night drink specials, because many students drink too much before they go to the bars.

Gow is the 10th chancellor in UW-L’s history. He’s been the interim president at a Nebraska Wesleyan University and was an administrator at Winona State University in Minnesota. Thursday was Gow’s first day on the job. – Wisconsin Public Radio, John Davis

F o l l o w t h e L e a d e r .

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as Doris McAfee, Zach Nelson as Randolph McAfee, Kelsey Douglas-White as Mae Peterson, David Lund as Hugo Peabody, Kailie Ward as Ursula and Nick Ward as Harvey Johnson.

Rounding out the cast in various supporting roles and the chorus are Ian Virchow, Allastant Nuckles, Ryan Stark, Charles Schmidt, Greg Kadrmas, Dillon Peterson, Travis Pomeroy, Willy Springer, Jenny Benoy, Jessica Reddy, Sarah Hankel, Jo Oldenburg, Abby Swenson, Erin McCormack, Becky Liemandt, Ali Greenlee, Paige Marek, Emily Thayer, Gabby Nuckles, Katie Burns-Penn, Dani Petty, Enya Hinck, Sarah Andrewson, Meghan Smith, Tashina Martinson, Brittany Petznick, Katie Weinberg and Sarah Perzyk.

The show will run March 22-24 and 29-30 at 7 p.m., with additional matinee performances at 2 p.m. on March 24 and 30. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Those wishing to reserve tickets may call 483-9823 ext. 232 after March 1. – from SCF schools Starring in the St. Croix Falls High School Drama production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” are back row: Isaac Bont, Steven Tucker and David Lund. Front row: Paige Gutzmer and Mary Ryan. –Photo submitted

Donkey BB Friday BALSAM LAKE - The Unity FFA Alumni will be sponsoring donkey basketball on Friday night Feb. 9.

FFA members will be playing with area fire departments from Balsam Lake, Centuria, Cushing and Milltown.

The game starts at 7 p.m. A kiss the donkey event and donkey rides for kids

will take place during the intermission.

The event is held to raise money for the FFA Alumni to present scholarships, assist in funding leadership activities, etc. for the Unity FFA. - Submitted

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting on the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day. Federal income tax forms are available at the library. The Internet is a great source for downloading additional forms you need for only 5 cents per copy!

Three Internet computers: You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

New adult books “Free Fall,” the seventh book in the Revenge of the Sisterhood series by Fern Michaels, “White Lies” by Jayne Krentz, and “Keeper of the Keys” by Perri O’Shaunessy in large print, Janet Evnovich’s “Plum Lovin’” takes adventure, action, suspense and maybe even true love to new heights. Fans of the Love Inspired series will enjoy these new inspirational romances: “Every Kind of Heaven” (The McKaslin Clan series), “Heart Afire & Restless Hearts” (The Flanagans series, and “Apple Blossom Bride,” a Serenity Bay story). New

DVDs and audiobooks on CD are being cataloged this week. Our new rotation collection from Polk County Library Federation includes great adult fiction, books on CD for adults and teens and the very popular titles in the young adult collection. Stop in and check us out! We have MORE for you!

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Feb. 8 the theme will be ABC and 1,2,3! Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more! There will be no story time on Feb. 15, while Mrs. Ellefson attends a workshop in Eau Claire.

Focus on Library Book Club: Anyone interested, please contact the library at 715-755-2944. An organizational meeting will be planned in mid-February.

Focus on: “Driver-Zed” is a CD produced by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Targeting teen drivers, this interactive risk-management training program helps young adults manage the risks and master the road. Fasten your seat belts for a fun ride!

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

Polk County Library Federation Library Pages celebrate one-year anniversary The Polk County Library Federation Staff, Friends of the Polk County Libraries and the 10 libraries of Polk County: Amery Public Library, Balsam Lake Public Library, Centuria Public Library, Clear Lake Public Library, Dresser Public Library, Frederic Public Library , Luck Public Library, Milltown Public Library, Osceola Public Library and St. Croix Falls Public Library would like to express gratitude to the staff at the InterCounty Leader for their support of the public libraries of Polk County through the library pages. Directors and staff at libraries have been amazed at the positive comments from the public about the library pages and how people look forward to reading about the news in our library world. The idea came from library supporter, Virginia Zoncki-Bunker to have the libraries in the news on a weekly basis. Thanks, Virg Look forward to the following special library events during 2007.

• Polk County Library Road Trip sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Libraries. The event will be held the same time as National Library Week.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate the libraries and the outstanding library service in Polk County.

• Teen Poetry Contest held in April and sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board to celebrate April is Poetry Month poetry.

• Big Read - this collaborative event is being held in conjunction with the St. Croix Falls Public Library, Festival Theatre and other community sponsors.

Look for the details to the above events in the library pages and at your local library.

Thanks Polk County citizens for supporting your local libraries.

Check it out at your libraries. Polk County libraries.

P.S. Look for the new library ad in the Polk Information guide coming out soon. Gratitude is extended to Jerry Boucher for his wonderful photos of the 10 public libraries.

Centuria Public Library

Knitting “Once you are comfortable with the knit stitch, you should move on to the purl stitch. These two stitches are the foundation of knitting. From these two stitches, you can create everything you’ll ever want to knit.” This quote is taken from a book by Nancy J. Thomas and Ilana Rabinowitz called “A Passion for Knitting.” This statement could be the theme for many of the knitting groups that have come together in the many area libraries. As stated by an owner of a knit cafe, “everyone that comes brings something to the table … good stories, good ideas, good food, good gossip, good advice, good news.” The Centuria Public Library has many good resources for the area knitters to check out. Titles available for various knitting projects include: “Greetings from Knit Café” by Suzan Mischer “Cozy Knits for Cuddly Babies” by Elanor Lynn “Hip to Knit” by Judith L. Swartz “Vogue Knitting, Stitchionary - Volumes One and Two” - Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine Through the MORE system fiction titles available are: “The Knitting Circle” by Ann Hood “A Good Yarn” by Debbie Macomber “The Shop on Blossom Street” by Debbie Macomber “The Friday Night Knitting Club” by Kate Jacobs Helping your child It is hard to believe, but half of the school year is over. Those of you who sent your child off to first grade knew that learning to read is a major emphasis for that grade. Throughout the school year, your child has learned a combination of skills which include decoding print (what does the word say), vocabu-

lary development (what does the word mean), and comprehension (how well do I understand what I am reading). A great book available at the Centuria Public Library is “How is My First-grader Doing in School?” by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. This book is an excellent resource for parents on assessing how your child is doing in that grade. It offers a simple assessment test that provides information on how well your child is doing in reading skill development and many great ideas on how as a parent you can improve their reading skills. Anytime is always the best time to work on developing reading skills with your child. Come into the Centuria Public Library and check out this book for rewarding and fun reading activities you can share with your child.

A Valentine’s Day read A lot of folks are thinking Valentine’s Day at this time of the year. Stores are decorated, special gifts are there to buy, and let’s not forget the sending of Valentine cards. A great project for families to do together is making their own Valentine cards and treats. Many books are available in public libraries that give great ideas on card-making ideas, on making decorations, and treats to give and eat. A wonderful book by Bethany Roberts is “Valentine Mice.”

This book is a great little story about four precocious mice who share a Valentine adventure with thrills and laughter as they bring cheer to many woodland animals on Valentine’s Day. Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Dresser Public Library

Osceola Public Library American Girls tea party Saturday, Feb. 10, beginning at 1 p.m. $2.50 per person, nonrefundable. Preregistration required. Seating limited to 15 young ladies, ages 6 and up. Call for information.

Book discussion Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Ten short stories. Multigenre assortment of quality short stories written in the last 80 years. Copies will be available at the circulation desk of the library.

Story time Don’t forget preschool story time is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Special announcement The library will be closed for staff training on Wednesday, Feb. 14, until 3 p.m.

Clear Lake Public Library February is Food For Fines Month at the Clear Lake Public Library. For every nonperishable food item that you bring in to the library, we’ll take $1 off of your library fines. The items will be given to the Lifeline Food Pantry located in the Clear Lake Area Community Center.

Join us on Feb. 14, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for our Valentine’s Day Pajama Party.

There will be crafts to do, stories to hear and food to eat. All ages are welcome.

Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday Celebration. In celebration of Read Across America Day and the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat”, the library is having a party from 3-5 p.m. All are invited to join us for games, stories and food.

New Nonfiction books: Complete Idiots Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol; House Beautiful Color Workshop: Decorating Stylish Rooms; Is It Hot in Here or Is It Me? The Complete Guide to Menopause; knitting Loves Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs to Hook Up Your Knitting With a Touch of Crochet; Chicken Coops: 45 Building Plans for Housing Your Flock; Knit Along With Debbie Macomber: The Cedar Cove Collection; Resumes for Midcareer Job Changes: With Sample Cover Letters; House Beautiful Storage Workshop.

Hours Monday: noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; Wednesday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Clear Lake Public Library

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Milltown Public Library Knit and crochet Join the most exciting group in Milltown at the library on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Experts and beginners are invited! If you’re in the middle of a project and are looking for help or just fun conversation while you finish that sweater, hat, mitten or whatever, please join us for the next meeting on Feb. 1. Beginners are invited – free lessons will be provided!

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our new, free, fast wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the net from a comfortable chair! No time limits!

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time

Frederic Public Library

lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time Don’t forget the February bake and to browse and check out books. book sale Be sure to remember our amazing book Valentine’s gift workshop sale – thousands of books, movies, music Sign up for a gift-making workshop on CDs, and audiobooks at out-the-door Feb. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. for preschool prices! It’s at the library Thursday and children and their parents, or from 5:30 Friday, Feb. 8-9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to 6:30 p.m. for elementary school chil- and Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 dren and their parents. Make two differ- p.m. There’s something for everyone! ent types of chocolate treats or create unique cards for someone special in your Story time Wednesday mornings life. This event is free, but preregistration Frederic Library story time is open to is required so that we can provide all young children accompanied by their enough supplies for all registrants. Reg- caregivers. Please join us Wednesday, ister at Milltown Public Library, or call Feb. 14, at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes of ac715-825-2313, or visit www.milltown- tivities and stories all about insects. If publiclibrary.org. Each workshop is lim- you like to share stories with children, ited to 25 children, so please register consider becoming a volunteer reader – soon! grandparents are especially welcome!

We’d love to have you read, and we’ll Hours work around your schedule.

Library hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday Tax forms are available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 The basic tax forms are here, including a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 the Wisconsin homestead credit and rent p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 certificate schedules. We will also be p.m. happy to download other tax forms from the Web for you.

Two book groups now meet If you’re interested in sharing great

Amery Public Library “True Evil” by Greg Illes With laws on the books that divide marital property equally between partners, unscrupulous married people will try to find shortcuts to get rid of an unwanted spouse. In Greg Illes new thriller, a shady divorce lawyer teams up with an evil hematologist to find a way to kill unwanted spouses with no trace of foul play.

Dr. Chris Shepherd is 36 years old, married to the beautiful Thora and father to her young son, Ben. One day Special Agent Alexandra Morse walks into his office and tells him she thinks his wife is trying to kill him and that there have been a string of deaths that have already occurred, Agent Morse’s sister, Ann, being one. Alex Morse is investigating on her own, apart from her job in the FBI, and she desperately wants to save Chris from being the next victim.

Greg Illes has written a string of novels set in the Natchez area. “True Evil,” though quite a long book, presents some scary murder tactics which will keep the reader engrossed and glued to the chair.

Library notes The tax forms are in. The Amery Public Library has tax forms: Federal, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Stop in and pick up what you need. We are not tax experts, but we will try to help you find the forms you need and will try to print them off the internet if we don’t have them on hand.

Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories. We will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.

Gratitude is extended to Lora Van Blaricom for filling in while Elaine is on vacation.

The Friends of the Library Board will meet at Kolar Arts Building downtown on Monday, Feb. 19, at 5:30 p.m. to plan for the book sale. The Amery Public Library is closed that day for Presidents

Day. If you are a member of the Friends of the Library and want to help with the February Book Sale on Feb. 23 and 24, there is a signup sheet for workers at the circulation desk at the library. The book sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 23 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 24. On Saturday, Feb. 24, it will be everything you can put in a bag for $1. We will also be needing people to help set up the sale on Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Great Stories Club will meet on Feb 26, at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to discuss “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver.

The Teens READ Book Group will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “Archangel Protocol” by Lyda Morehouse. Check out copies of the book at the circulation desk if you are a teen and want to join us.

The Friends of the Library Book Group meets on Monday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., to discuss “Empire Falls” by Richard Russo. This great novel won the National Book Award and we have lots of copies available at the circulation desk if you want to join this book group for lively discussion.

We are accepting donations for the book sale while the library is open, so if you have been saving items to bring, now is the time. We will accept books, magazines, videos, DVDs and CDs in good condition. We will not take old encyclopedias, ancient textbooks, National Geographics or Reader’s Digest condensed books.

The Otaku Club will meet every Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Amery Public Library for teens who like manga and anime.

Library Hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

books with good friends, there are now two groups that meet at the library. Both groups welcome visitors and new members – why not join both of them? Stop in to pick up your copies soon and become part of the conversation.

The evening book group will meet Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Glass Castle”

by Jeannette Walls, an amazing memoir of growing up in a dysfunctional, yet brilliant family.

The Thursday morning reading group will meet Thursday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “House of Sand and Fog” by Andre Dubus III, a novel in which three people, drawn by their competing desires for the same small house in the California hills and doomed by their tragic inability to understand one another, converge in an explosive collision course.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m.

- 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak St. West.

715-327-4979. fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Laura Richter and Kelsey Dahm, students from Polk County Special Education School, Balsam Lake, gain work experience Wednesday and Thursday mornings at the Frederic Library.

Richter puts the children’s room in order and shelves materials, and Dahm’s housekeeping skills keep the library clean and inviting.

The library staff is pleased to have Richter and Dahm as volunteers.

– Photo submitted

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Winter fun for the whole family Feb. 9-11 LUCK — Set aside time this weekend, Feb. 9-11, to take part in the many events planned for the 48th-annual Luck Winter Carnival.

A big change this year is that the bonfire and fireworks at the Big Butternut Lake boat landing will be Sunday instead of Thursday evening.

The 48th Luck Winter Carnival queen pageant and coronation will be the kickoff for the weekend, with four young

It’s the Luck Winter Carnival women seeking the 2007 title now held by reigning queen Alyssa Mellon. The pageant and Little Miss Luck selection will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Saturday events begin at 7 a.m. with the Luck Lions Club annual breakfast at the school, which lasts until 11 a.m.

Registration for the New World Championship Snowshoe Race begins at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m.

This event will be held at Oak Forest Center between Luck and Frederic.

Don’t miss the book sale at the library (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.), radar runs on Big But-

ternut (registration at 9 a.m., runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and the pie and icecream social at Luck Senior Center (10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

If there is enough snow, a kiddie snowman contest will be held all day Saturday until 2:30 p.m., with prizes in the 6-andunder category and the 7- to 12-year category.

Clues for the medallion hunt, with a $150 prize, will be posted at the DBS Hall starting at 10 a.m., with the annual sawdust pile at Fort Luck Park at 10:30 a.m.

Alumni basketball at the school starts at 10 a.m., with volleyball in the snow at

Fort Luck Park beginning at 11 a.m.

Evening events start at 5 p.m. with the grand marshal reception hosted by 2007 Grand Marshal Max Littlefield. The kiddie parade and 10th-annual torchlight parade will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the Winter Carnival Dance at the DBS Hall at 8 p.m.

On Sunday the annual ice-fishing contest will be held on Big Butternut Lake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The bonfire starts at 4 p.m., with concessions available, and fireworks at 5 p.m. — Mary Stirrat

NW Graziers Network annual conference in Rice Lake RICE LAKE — Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network is pleased to announce that Dr. John Ikerd will be the keynote speaker for their annual conference. Dr. Ikerd is a nationally recognized speaker and author on economics, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable community development. Sustainable Grazing: Managing for the Triple Bottom Line will examine economic, ecological and social bottom lines. Consumer demand is creating opportunities for producers to provide food that is not only healthful and nutritious, but is also valued for its ecological and social integrity.

During his 30-year career, Dr. Ikerd

taught at North Carolina State, Oklahoma State, University of Georgia, and the University of Missouri. Ikerd has written over 300 articles, abstracts and other publications. The conference will feature a range of topics for those considering grazing as well as those more experienced. Paul Nehring, director of GrassWorks, a beef grazier and direct marketer, will talk about statewide grazing efforts, identify research for future grazing needs, and present Developing the Financial Picture for your Grassfed Beef Farm. Dr. Phil Harris, UW ag economist, will cover Wisconsin fence law, custom grazing agreements, forage pur-

chase, and income tax consequences of drought. Dr. Lynn Johnson, a grazing contractor, consultant and steering committee member, will discuss custom grazing financial arrangements and opportunities. Randy Cutler of Cutler Fencing will cover watering and fencing systems. Dean Retzlaff, the grazing planner, will head a farmer panel on grazing plans and Grazing 101. Kevin Schoessow, Extension ag agent, will head a farmer panel on interseeding trial results. Dr. Otto Wiegand, Extension ag agent, will talk about drought strategies.

The conference will be held at WITC, Rice Lake on Saturday, Feb. 17. Registra-

tion will start at 8:30 a.m., allowing attendees to visit with vendors and meet with other graziers. Recognition of the 2006 Pasture Walk hosts and an overview of the year’s accomplishments will begin at 9:30 a.m. The conference will conclude at 4 p.m.

Advance registration for the conference, due by Wednesday, Feb. 14, is $20 and includes lunch and snacks. Lunch will feature grass-fed meats and other locally grown foods. Late registration is $30. For more information or to register, contact UW ag agents Tim Jergenson at 715-537-6250, Otto Wiegand. — from UW-Extension

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

They call him Grandpa Harley Retired Unity employee still attends school

by Julie Holmquist BALSAM LAKE - A day at Unity School without Harley Lund is a strange occurrence. The students at the elementary school where he volunteers five days a week call him Grandpa Harley, but Lund was no grandpa when he started working at the school in 1949.

Grandpa Harley listens to Unity first-grader Alexus Swanson read a book.

Volunteers may not be paid, but they do receive valentines.

That year was the start of a long partnership between Lund and the school district.

“Most of the dads and grandpas of these kids were in high school when I worked here,” said Lund, 73, as he sat in a first-grade classroom last week.

When Lund listens to first-grader Dylan Peper read a book called “Pop,” he can picture Dylan’s father and grandfather at the school.

“His dad, David, was in kindergarten when I drove bus,” Lund said. “And David’s dad, Gene Peper, I remember driving him to high school.”

Lund worked for the district as a bus driver for about six years, but worked mainly in maintenance. His years of experience were rewarded when he was hired as the maintenance supervisor for the school district. By the end of his career, he knew the school buildings like the “back of my hand, the front of my hand and sideways.”

These days, he no longer tends to boilers and roofs. Instead, he can be found five days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., listening to first- and second-graders read

books called “A Snack for Mack” or “Dine With Nine Messy Monsters.”

When he retired 12 years ago, firstgrade teacher Laura Bonnes asked Lund what he was planning to do.

“She said she had a job for me,” Lund recalled with a laugh. He jokes that he is a full-time employee again.

“It’s wonderful to have him,” Bonnes said. “Some kids don’t have anyone at home to read to them, so it builds up their strength, and some kids don’t have a grandparent at home and they really connect to him.”

“They’re nice to me,” Lund said, “And I’m nice to them, too.”

Lund can rattle off his schedule: he spends a certain amount of time in Susan Peterson’s room, in Laura Thorson’s room and numerous other classrooms, and doesn’t eat with the children because it’s too distracting for them.

“I don’t have no favorite kid at all,” he said. “Whether they can read or not, they can sit with me.”

The children he read with during his first year as a volunteer graduated from high school last year, and Lund was invited to graduation parties. A hip operation kept him away, but he’s as good as new now.

“This makes me younger,” he said,

All visitors must wear a badge at Unity Elementary School as part of the security measures, but Lund’s badge is unique. then helps a first-grader sound out the word, “shake.”

During his own school days, Lund attended a country school with a group of first- to eighth-graders. That was back in the early 1940s, and he had to walk two miles home from school every day.

Second-grade teacher Laura Thorsen asks Grandpa Harley about his Army days. “He shares his life,” she said.

Unity lions honor Alling Unity Lions Club recently presented Lion Jeanne Alling with their Lion of the Year recognitioin. Alling has served as a Lions officer for the past seven years and has been active in recruiting members for their club. The Lions motto is “We Serve,” this describes Alling’s involvement in the community as she also is the advisor for the Unity Leo’s Club and Unity FFA. She is involved as a leader for the South Milltown 4-H and Unity Girl Scout troop 2015. “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for someone else,” said Melvin Jones, Lions Club founder. Alling agrees that you have to have Lionism, a sense of service in your heart, to care for others unconditionally. District Gov. Rich Mousel presented the honor to Alling. – Photo submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Reflections on Habitat trip to Louisiana by the Rev. Craig Corbin LAKE CHARLES, La. - Fifteen people from northwestern Wisconsin made a trek to southern Louisiana in the middle of January. The two-day drive was a bit lengthy and not so pleasant. We traveled through the midsection of the country that had just experienced one of its worse ice storms in years. After traversing ice, wind and snow, we finally arrived at our destination in Lake Charles, La. None of us were sure what to expect.

We anticipated that there would be a number of homes in various stages of construction. The weather played a significant part in determining where we would be working during the week. For the most part, the weather was unpleasant. Cold temperatures in the upper 30s, rain and mist pretty much prevailed the entire week.

On our first morning, we were warmly received by Judy Tinker, executive director of the Calcasieu Area Habitat for Humanity Chapter. During our orientation, she made the comment that, “God’s timing is perfect.” As I reflect back now on the week that we spent in Lake Charles, I am convinced more and more that God’s timing was perfect. We were the right people for what was needed for that particular time. We had the experience and skill level to accomplish those things that needed to be done in that time and place.

We were very blessed to have a number of people who had lifetime skills and expertise to handle the challenges that faced us throughout the week. It was quite apparent to all of us that much of the work that had been done prior to our coming had been done by people who lacked construction experience. The three homes that we worked on during our week needed some tender love and care and they needed us.

The amount of work that we accomplished during our time in Louisiana was absolutely incredible. Kitchen cabinets, living room and kitchen flooring, bathroom vanity, sink and kitchen countertops were installed. An electrical wiring nightmare was repaired. Vinyl siding, fascia, soffits and doors were hung, and finish trim installed around doors and windows. And of course, let us not forget all the painting, painting and painting.

The down-home southern hospitality we received from the folks at the Southwestern Louisiana Housing and Coordination Center was greatly appreciated.

We met some dedicated and caring people who have been working diligently and faithfully to make a difference in this time of difficult circumstances. Billy Jean Bauer and her dad, Calvin, have worked many long and tiring days to establish

Local residents who went to Louisiana: Front row (L to R): Craig Corbin, Dave Weiss, Judy Weiss, Sena Christopherson, Helen Nolan and Jeff Butler. Back row (L to R): Phil Stromberg, Gil Hoel, Larry Kytola, Pat Kytola, Dan Donahue, Kim Corbin, Zach Corbin, Nina Dewing and Phil Nolan. – Special photo

When we build, let us think we build forever.

Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for. Let us think, as we lay board upon board, that a time will come when these boards will be held sacred because many hands have touched them, and that men and women will say, as they look upon our labor, “See what our friends built for us.”

Team members Dan Donahue and Phil Stromberg presenting quilts made by Wisconsin churches to Lake Charles, La., Habitat families. – Special photo

Unsalvageable shrimp boats still sit along the Louisiana coast as a reminder of the destructive forces of Hurricane Rita. – Special photo and maintain this facility. Their gracious hospitality makes it possible for volunteers like us to come and have a comfortable and inexpensive place to stay.

The need is tremendous. We experienced and saw a significant amount of storm damage and devastation from Hurricane Rita that hit the area in September 2005. The entire beach community of Holly Beach was completely destroyed, leveled beyond recognition.

All that remained were stop signs and empty streets. To this day there are numerous homes in Lake Charles, 30 miles from the coast, that have blue plastic tarps on their roofs and many homes with boarded-up windows.

More than likely, the 15 people who came together for a week of work on three homes in Louisiana will never do such a trip ever again, at least not as the same group. Many of us expressed the desire to do another trip in the future, and most of us probably will.

We made a difference. The families who will eventually live in the houses that we worked on were very pleased and appreciative of the work that we were able to accomplish. It was my perception that they were overwhelmed with the amount of work we accomplished. For those future homeowners it was a delight to see their homes transformed from concrete floors and bare walls to finished floors, kitchen cabinets, finished exterior siding and painted walls in six days.

As one of the members of our group so appropriately reflected, “we did not have the time to walk with them on the

entire journey, but we did have the opportunity and privilege to walk with them for a while.” We touched a community and some families in need and they in turn touched our lives. Why did we go? Why did we do it? Because it was meant to be. God’s timing was perfect.

More photos next page

Sena Christopherson (Grantsburg) serves herself a local dish of jambalaya, chicken gumbo rice and biscuits. Daily lunches were brought to the volunteers. – Special photo

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Habitat trip/continued

Grantsburg student Zach Corbin with three Americorps volunteers after laying laminate flooring. – Special photo

Phil Stromberg and Craig Corbin work together to install house fascia and soffit materials. – Special photo

Max Littlefield is Luck Winter Carnival Grand Marshal

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — Max Littlefield, owner of Maxwell Heating and Air Conditioning, has been named 2007 Grand Marshal for the 48th-annual Luck Winter Carnival. He will host a grand marshal reception Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Luck Village Hall from 5 - 6 p.m.

Littlefield grew up in Turtle Lake. After high school he joined the Air Force for four years, serving in Vietnam. He got into the heating business, working in Chicago, St. Louis and Minneapolis. He returned to Polk County in 1981, with his wife, Barbara, a native of Evanston, Ill. “We had an opportunity to buy an existing business here in Luck,” said Littlefield about his return to the area. The couple bought the former Anderson Heating, owned by Gordy Anderson of Frederic.

“We’ve been very fortunate. The business has grown, we get to live where we want to live,” Littlefield said Monday morning, when the phone lines were constantly ringing due to the extremely cold weather. Maxwell Heating and Air Conditioning now employs 12 people, in a business with constantly changing technology.

The servicemen are all graduates of technical schools and are EPA certified, said Littlefield, and take part in regular training programs.

“We’ve got good employees and a good customer base,” he said.

Littlefield is a 25-year member of Lions Club. He is also a member of the Luck Community Club. He actively supports local events and youth.

Max Littlefield Last year, he was involved in the Butterknife House project, joining dozens of area residents in rebuilding, from the ground up, a home in Biloxi, Miss., that had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Providing the heating and cooling system for the new home, Littlefield and his crew left for Biloxi on a Sunday, installed and tested the system, and returned on Thursday.

Littlefield is active in both the VFW and the American Legion. A Harley rider, he annually takes part in the Rolling Thunder bike ride to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about POW/MIA issues.

Littlefield and his wife of 32 years have been able to travel extensively. They have two grown children. Their daughter, Elysia, is in St. Cloud, Minn., and their son, Aaron, lives outside of Luck and works at Maxwell.

Unity danceline performed

The paint crew (L to R): Nina Dewing, Kim Corbin, Helen Nolan, Sena Christopherson and Judy Weiss. – Special photo

Unity danceline seniors performed a routine to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at the Unity/Webster basketball game last Friday. The seniors recognized their coaches for their assistance throughout the year for their success. From left: Liza Skalicky, Tiffany Hallin, Coach Jillian Chell, Kala Hill, Tricia Morgan (front) and Rachel Schmid. Missing is Coach Kelly Anderson. – Photo submitted

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity president, Gil Hoel with Lake Charles, La., Habitat family. – Special photo

We ’ r e o n t h e Internet @ www.the-leader.net

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Stellar science night FREDEERIC – Thursday, Feb. 1, the Northern Lights home-school group hosted a science night focusing on the solar system. More than 50 people attended, working in groups to research individual planets, then presenting their findings. – submitted

Mike Johansen, left, tells about Jupiter’s great red spot while Kiegan Craker, 4, waits to share his information.

Photos by Mary Stirrat

The crust of the Earth wouldn’t be as good to eat as a crust of bread, said Brittany Smith, holding white paper, as her group presented information on our planet and its place in the solar system. With Smith (L to R) are Carissa Marsh, Hannah Marsh, Cordell Smith (behind), Brittany, Stasha Marsh, Abby Marsh and Brandon Smith.

Facts about Pluto, no longer considered a planet, were presented (L to R) by Kassie Craker, 14, Maddie Johansen, 9, Paulina Johansen, 6, and Viktor Johansen, 11.

The planet Mercury and the U.S./Soviet space race was depicted on a timeline by (L to R) Rebekah, Ben, Andrew and Timothy Smith.

Working on their poster about Venus (clockwise from top left) are Julia Nargis, Caleb Klawitter, Joey Nargis and Bailey O’Brien.

Studying and reporting on the ringed planet of Saturn (L to R) were Laura Johansen with Lily Johansen, 6, and Yory Johansen, 8, Anna O’Brien, Eric Chenal, Rick Chenal and Michael Chenal.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Webster students participate in Solo Ensemble Music Festival

Webster seventh- and eighth-grade students participated in a Wisconsin School Music Association sanctioned Solo Ensemble Music Festival on Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Frederic. Shown are Olivia Kopecky, Tatyana Pope, Brittany Maxwell, Sam Kopecky, Elise Windbiel, Mary Arnold, Rachel Salas, Breanna Watral, Jenna Anderson, Miranda Burger, Allison Becvar, Ciara Koenen, Melissa Gustavson, Alicia Snorek, and Leslea Wiggins, (not pictured: Matt Elmegren and Shaina Pardun). During solos and ensemble festivals, students prepare vocal or instrumental solos, duets, trios, or small ensembles to perform before an adjudicator.

Students are measured against a standard of excellence rather than competing against each other. After each performance, the adjudicator will evaluate and make comments and or suggestions. For more information on WSMA, go to www.wsmamusic.org. – Photo submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Academic news APPLETON – William K. Beecroft, Frederic, has been named to the Fox Valley Technical College dean’s list for the first semester of the 2006-07 school year.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in an associate degree or technical diploma program and have completed 12 or more credits, with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, between Aug. 7 and Dec. 31, 2006. - submitted ••• LA CROSSE – The following students have been named to the dean’s list of the UW-La Crosse for the first semester of the 2006-2007 academic year.

Amery Eric M. Hammer, senior.

Osceola Ross A. Benitz, freshman; Kyle J. Burkhamer, freshman; Derek E. Liggett, junior; Nicolas M. Lund, freshman; Tyler J. Tarman, freshman.

St. Croix Falls Amanda D. Mewes, junior.

Danbury Nicole E. Lohman, senior.

Frederic Joshua T. Chaplin, senior.

Grantsburg Nicholas M. Ryan, sophomore; Joseph P. Olson, sophomore.

Luck Christa J. Petersen, sophomore; Michael W. Stonesifer, sophomore.

Siren Michael C. Johnson, sophomore. – submitted ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – Rachael Hanson, the daughter of Karen Ingersoll Hanson of St. Croix Falls, and Randal Hanson of Hudson, has been named to the dean’s list of Macalester College for academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2006-2007 school year.

A graduate of St. Croix Falls, Hanson is a senior at Macalester.

Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.70 or higher to qualify for the Macalester College dean’s list. – submitted

Unity Community Education Preregistration is necessary and important, as classes have been filling up quickly. To register for any of these Unity Community Education classes and events, please call Tanna at 715-825-2101, ext.1560.

DNR Hunter Safety Certification Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 27 through March 29 (skip March 6 and 8), 7-9:30 p.m. Cost: $10, payable to DNR on the first night of

class. Please call Community Ed to register.

Introduction To Palmistry Thursday, March 29, 6-7:15 p.m. Cost: $20.

Metaphysical Stones 4 Thursday, March 29, 7:30-9 p.m. Cost $25. Instructor: Sandy Klepel is a GIA certified gemologist and fourth generation intuitive, specializing in stones with a shop in St. Paul, Minn.

Frederic Community Education To register call Ann Fawver at 715-327-4868, e-mail fawvera@frederic.k12.wi.us, online go to www.witc.edu “Search and Register for Courses,” or call WITC at 800-243-9482, ext. 4221.

Felted Wool Purses WITC #26804/#42-815-408. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Fee: $12.70/$4 Sr. 62+. Materials fee to instructor - $8.

Mosaic with ceramic, tile and glass WITC #27005/#42-815-405. Tuesdays, Feb. 20 - 27, 6 - 9 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

PedFACTS Course Thursday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 - 9 p.m. Call CE, 715-3274868. Fee: $35, optional book, $10.

CPR & AED (Infant, Child & Adult) Thursday, March 8 and Tuesdays, April 24, 6 - 8 p.m. Call Community Education, 715-327-4868. Fee: $25, optional book $10.

Health Care Provider CPR Tuesdays, March 13 and April 10, 6 - 9 p.m. Instructor: Jim Tinman.

Call Community Education, 715-327-4868. Fee: $37.50, optional book $10.

Quilted Jacket WITC #26809, #42-304-435. Tuesdays, March 6 - 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Computers: Independent projects.

WITC #26738, #42-103-448. Mondays, March 8 - 20, 5 - 7 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Weight Room Training for Women WITC #27001/#42-807-408. Tuesdays, March 6 - 27, 4 - 6 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Mosaic Stained-Glass Suncatcher WITC #27007/#42-815-405. Thursdays, March 8, 6 - 9 p.m. and March 15, 6 - 8 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

Creative Stamping WITC #2605, #42-815-408. Mondays, March 19 - April 2. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

Preschool Tumbling.

WITC 5:30 class #26818, 6:30 class #2819, #42-807-408. Six Tuesdays, March 20 – April 24. Two classes offered 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Responsible Beverage Service WITC #25966. Monday, March 26, 6 - 10 p.m. Fee: $12.70.

Sign Language with Your Toddler WITC #47-533-405. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 27 - April 5, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Sign Language for Youth WITC #47-533-405. Tuesday & Thursday, March 27 - April 5, 3:15 4:15 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Introduction to Norwegian WITC #42-802-405. Tuesday and Thursday, March 27 - April 5, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Mimi’s 2007 Creative Memories Workshop $5 RSVP with Mimi if you’d like to attend, 715-327-8122, Saturday, Feb. 10.

“Peter Pan” with Prairie Fire Theatre, mark your calendars for March 12-17. Auditions Monday, Mar. 12, performances Mar. 16 & 17.

Ongoing Activities Craft Club Youth meet every Thursday at the elementary school. Classes begin at 3:15 p.m.

Open Ice Skating for Families At Frederic’s skating rink, located east of the elementary school. Rink and warming house open daily from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Families are responsible for supervising their children - rules are posted at the rink.

Men’s Basketball League Frederic High School Sundays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. $1 fee/time.

Open Weight Room For public use at the high school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 - 8 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m. No fee.

Winter Walking Birch Street Elementary School. Mon. - Fri., 7 - 8 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m.

No fee. Sign in/out outside of the school office.

AYSO Soccer Registration dates are through Feb. 9, $45/child with a $125 family cap.) Registrations received after Feb. 9 will be subject to a $15 late fee. Volunteers needed - call 646-2150, 472-4895 or 472-4062.

Driver’s Education Classroom course for students 15 years and older with Safe Start Driving School. Monday - Thursday, Feb. 26 through March 22, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, 5 - 7 p.m. Fee: $75.

Osceola Community Education New classes are posted for winter/spring. For complete details on classes and to print registration forms, please visit the Osceola School District Web site at www.osceola.k12.wi.us and click on the Community Education link. If you have questions, contact Lala Graf – Community Education director at 715-294-2127 Ext. 407 or by email at ComEd@osceola.k12.wi.us. Please remember to preregister as classes are run by user participation and do get cancelled due to low enrollment.

Open Computer Lab – Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 24, OHS 3:30-5:30 p.m., on school days.

Tae Kwon Do – Wednesdays through spring, OES, 7-7:45 p.m., $25/month.

Graduation Scrapbooking – Mondays and Thursdays, Feb. 26 March 5, OHS, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $30.

Adult Dog Obedience – Tuesdays, Feb. 27 - April 3, OHS, 7 - 8:30 p.m., (first night) 7-7:30 p.m. (other nights). Cost $45.

Adult Social Dancing for Beginners – Fridays, March 2 - 30, OHS, 7- 8 p.m. Cost $50/couple.

Jewelry Making – Tuesday, March 6, OHS, 7 - 8 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $10.

Design Your Own Pond and Waterfall - Tuesdays, March 6, OHS, 7 - 9 p.m. Cost $5.

Puppy Manners – Tuesdays, March 6 - 27, OHS, 7:30-9 p.m., (first

night), 7:30-8 p.m. (other nights). Cost $35.

All-occasion Card Stamp-a-Stack – Monday, March 12, OIS, 6:308:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $20.

Microphone Use - Make Yourself Heard - Monday, March 12 and 19, OHS, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $10.

Parent Ed. – Overindulgence – Monday, March 19, OHS, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $11.

Women’s Dance – Wednesdays, April 3 - 25, OHS, 6-7 p.m. Cost $25.

Baby 6x6 Scrapbook – Monday, April 16, OIS, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $40.

Brain Blitz for Seniors – Tuesday, April 17, OIS, 9:30-11 a.m. Cost $5.

One-Stroke Painting – Tuesdays, April 17 - May 1, OHS, 7-9 p.m.

Cost $30, supplies $6.

Parent Ed. - Sleep – Monday, April 23, OHS, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $11.

All Occasion Card Stamp-a-Stack - Monday, May 7, OIS, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $20.

Children’s Classes Tae Kwon Do – Wednesdays through spring. Times vary. $25/month.

DNR Boater Safety – Monday and Wednesdays, June 4-6, OHS, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $10, payable to DNR.

Ongoing Events

AA Meetings: United Methodist Church, Danbury, 1 block north of Main Street on 1st Street. Thursdays, noon.

AA and Al-Anon Meetings: Every Monday night at Frederic Pilgrim Lutheran Church basement at 7 p.m.

Amateur (Ham) Radio, holds its monthly breakfast the second Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. at the Fox Den in Balsam Lake with a meeting at approx. 9 a.m. at the Polk County Government Center.

Amery - Truckload of food provided each month by Polk County Christians in Action on the second and fifth Saturdays at the Congregational Church in Amery at 201 Harriman Ave. N, 268-7390. Donation of $10 per family requested. Persons will receive fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and other food as available.

Amery - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar meets Monday at 7 p.m., for 13 weeks, at Apple River Community Church, located on Hwy. 8. Call Bruce Tanner for information at 715268-8360 or Gary Alexander at 715-268-2724.

Balsam Lake Community Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., at Balsam Lake Village Hall.

Boy Scout Troop #128 is holding an ongoing aluminum can collection fundraiser. Contributions can be dropped off at the trailer parked at Great Northern Outdoors in Frederic.

Burnett County Adult Day Care meets every Tuesday at Birchwood Manor in Siren from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and every Thursday at Cedarwood Manor in Webster from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burnett County Citizen Patrol, meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., government center.

Burnett Community Library Adult Craft Club, meets every Thursday, 10 a.m. - noon at the library in Webster.

Caregivers Support Group meets every third Wednesday at Capeside Cove, 4 p.m.

500 Cards at Cushing Community Center, every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dresser - Tot-Time, an hour of Bible stories, music, crafts and a snack, is held at the first and third Tuesdays, Sept. through May, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church.

Please contact the church office to register at 755-2515.

Family Child Care Professionals Network, meets the third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Call 715-483-1482 for info.

Family child care providers welcome!

Frederic American Legion Post & Unit #249, meets the third Monday of every month at the Legion Hall, 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise announced.

Frederic Booster Club meets the first Sunday each month at 6 p.m. in the high school.

Frederic Historical Society to meet the fourth Thursday of every month at the Golden Oaks Apartments, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic Senior Center welcomes everyone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except Sundays. Mondays, Spades played at 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays Pokeno played at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 500 cards played at 6:30 p.m. Bingo at 1:30 p.m. and pool or other card games during the afternoon. Business meeting the first Friday of each month.

Frederic TOPS meets 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Comforts of Home community room, contact Nancy 715-327-8063 or tops.org.

Frederic Welcome Wagon, new residents who’d like community information, and businesses and organizations who’d like to offer coupons, discounts and promotions to new residents are invited to call 715-327-8972 or 715-327-4271.

Gamblers Anonymous, every Monday, 5 p.m., New Beginnings Alano Club, 7707 Main Street, Siren, 715-349-2588.

Head Injury Support Group to meet every second Sunday at the Siren Covenant Church, 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Caregivers are welcome. For further information please call Jerry or Karen at 715-349-8985.

Humane Society of Burnett County meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at the Humane Society on Midtown Rd., Siren. We are collecting used printer ink cartridges and used digital cell phones. Call 715-866-4096.

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, open Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 400 Main St. So., Luck, go to back door.

Luck Senior Center, open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Fridays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for coffee and fellowship. Come in and play pool, cards or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Everyone welcome.

Milltown Senior Center, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 500 cards every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Obesity Surgery Support Group of the River Valley, meets every 2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. at Adventures Restaurant, Hwy. 35, North Osceola. For more info call 715755-3474 or Jepsen@centurytel.net.

Osceola - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group meets at the First Baptist Church each Monday, 7 p.m. Sessions for adults and children. The church is located at 722 Seminole Avenue (Hwy. M). For information call 715-2944222 or 651-214-5251 after 5 p.m.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center, open Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Regular meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. blood pressure checks; 12:30 potluck, followed by business meeting and entertainment.

500 cards and dominoes, and exercises by YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. Craft Making 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Siren Alano Club: Tuesday noon, women’s group; Wednesday, 7 p.m. AA; Thursday, 7 p.m., NA; Sunday, 9 a.m., AA; Sunday, 7 p.m. NA; First Saturday of the month, open meeting, 5:30 potluck, 7 p.m. speaker and pin night.

The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus practices every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the old courthouse in Balsam Lake, CTH I and Hwy. 46. Call 715-483-9202, 715-463-5202 or 715-327-8091.

Webster Area Chamber of Commerce meets the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Webster chamber office.

Webster Tops, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

Quakers. Northern Pines Friends Worship Group, 11 a.m.

Every other Saturday, 6020 Peterson Rd., Webster, 866-8802 or 866-7798.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Grantsburg Community Education Trips Feb. 9 and 10 – Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical production of Tom Sawyer are scheduled for Fri., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Grantsburg High School Auditorium. For more info call Cindi Throngard at 715-4635165 ext. 160.

February 24 - The Lipizzan Stallions at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Leave Grantsburg at 11:30 a.m., show at 2 p.m. Cost for show and coach is $48.

March 8 - Mystery Trip/Lunch – This unique experience is cheap, funny and good, so will fill up fast. Bring a friend or two.

Thursdays, March 8. Cost: $30.

Leave Grantsburg 10:15 a.m.

For more info call Cindy at 715463-5165 ext. 160.

March 21 - April 1 - Hurricane Katrina Relief Trip- $260 (includes coach, meals and lodging). Travel with a church from Stacy, Minn., down to the New Orleans area to help some families who have fallen through the cracks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a difference in someone’s life.

Guaranteed to make a difference in your life too!

March 28: Mall of America.

Travel with us to enjoy Easter fun at the Mall of America and the spring shopping. We will spend the day. We will drop any interested at IKEA as well. Cost: $20. Leave Grantsburg at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 31: “Beyond the Cross” 2000 years ago, one man altered the course of history. Join in for an incredible Easter experience. This inspiring musical production is hosted by Lowell Lundstrom. Journey back in time when Jesus transformed the lives of ordinary people, one person at a time. Leave Grantsburg: 9:30 a.m. Includes coach, meal, and show. Lunch will be eaten on the way down.

April 20 – Gaither Give it Away

Tour Target Center - $70. Firstclass seats, a meal and coach are included. Leave Grantsburg at 2:30 p.m. and eat on the way at a Country Buffet, and then go to Target Center for a 7 p.m. show. Don’t wait. This event is sure to sell quickly.

June 27 – Munsinger/Clemens Rose Gardens and Shopping – Leave Grantsburg at 8 a.m.

Join in as we visit this special garden and rose garden in St. Cloud, Minn. A must-see for anyone in the area, WCCO says. Spend the rest of the day shopping in the St. Cloud Mall.

Lunch is on your own. Cost: $35.

July 14 – Midwest Scrapbookers Convention Join in as we travel to the Rivercentre in St. Paul for this scrapbookers extravaganza. Booths, ideas, projects, and how-tos galore as you spend the day taking in all that you can. Lunch is on your own.

Leave Grantsburg at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m. Cost: $15 (for coach bus) Show and meal on own.

Aug. 27 – Minnesota State Fair – Cost: $15 for coach. Fair entry on own. Leave Grantsburg at 7 a.m. and return by 6 p.m. Have a ball at the great Minnesota gettogether. Make it a family event.

Children are welcome.

November 2007 – Christmas in Sweden Our special tour guide, Suzy Retzer, leads a visit to Stockholm as she is dressed in her Christmas finery. This 12-day visit will be an informal, intimate visit to a beautiful European city.

Visit many of the top tourist attractions as well as many unique activities . For a brochure, give Cindi a call. Approximate cost: $2,500 (actual cost not available at this time).

Spring Community Education Classes INDOOR WALKING: The Grantsburg High School is open

daily for your winter walking from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and again after the school day, starting at 4 p.m.

In the morning, please enter at the district office entrance.

Please wear rubber soled shoes.

Any questions, call Cindi at 715463-5165 ext. 160.

ADULT VOLLEYBALL: Every Wednesday night. Two courts used with a relaxed group and a more competitive one. Everyone is welcome! Call Cindi at 715463-5165 ext. 160 for more info.

PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME: Join us, Pete and Deb Johnson, for our 10th-annual open gym for preschoolers. All children must be accompanied by an adult who remains with them the entire time (infants welcome also).

There will be play equipment available, but no structured activities. You may bring outdoortype and riding toys if they are clean. This is a good opportunity for parents to interact while their youngsters run around and have fun with others – a good outing during the long winter months.

Mondays – Jan., Feb. and March, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fee: $5 season pass or $1 for each session. Grantsburg Elementary.

PILATES: This class consists of mat exercises that strengthen the core – the abdominals and back muscles. Participants must bring their own mat and light pair of free weights. Six Tuesday sessions began Jan. 30, 6 to 7 p.m., Grantsburg Elementary School gym. Cost: $30. Instructor: Natalie Doornink, certified in personal training and pilates.

February PRESCHOOL SIGN LANGUAGE (ITV Class): Learn to sign with toddlers and preschoolers. Signing with children can improve memory, vocabulary, reading skills later in life. Three Monday sessions, began Feb. 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Grantsburg High School ITV Room. Cost: $20.

HOW TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE (ITV Class): This class is de-

signed to help you with your education funding concerns and needs. One Thursday session, Feb. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $8.

Grantsburg High School ITV Room.

SCRAPBOOKING DAY: What a fun and relaxing day to work on your pictures or albums. Bring your lunch and a treat to share and we will provide supper.

Come when you can and stary as long as you like. Supplies will be available to for purchase.

Door prizes too! One session, Sat., Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: $12. Grantsburg High School library.

March MONEY MANAGEMENT – MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FUTURE (ITV Class): This class focuses on the basics of personal money management.

Specifically, we will cover savings and investing, budgeting, insurance programs and other issues that will help you plan for your financial futures. One session, Thursday, March 1, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $8. Grantsburg High School ITV Room. (Class repeated on March 29).

JOURNALING: Come and learn more about the art of journaling.

Bring a notebook to journal in and a pen. Four Tuesday sessions beginning March 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10. Instructor: Mandi Amundson. Grantsburg High School.

STAINED GLASS: Create stained glass light catchers, windows, boxes or panels. Beginning techniques of cutting, breaking, grinding, foiling and soldering will be covered. Three Monday sessions, 6 to 8 p.m., beginning March 5. Cost: $20.

Instructor: Bruce Teigen. Grantsburg High School Art Room.

INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT: This course will provide you with the skills to create effective presentations with PowerPoint 2003. Six Tuesday

sessions, 5 – 6:30 p.m., beginning March 6. Cost: $23. Instructor: Greg Stager. Grantsburg High School, Room 140.

BABYSITTING CLASS: Topics include safety, general care of infants, toddlers and school-age children. This class is for grades 5-6 only. Class limit of 20. Two sessions, Tuesday and Thursday, March 6 and 8, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Cost: $5. Instructor: Debi Fleishauer. GMS Library.

HOW TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE (ITV Class): This class is designed to help you with your education funding concerns and needs. One Thursday session, March 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $8.

Grantsburg High School ITV Room.

INTRODUCTION TO UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING: Discover the exciting process of creating traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs (pysanky). Using real eggs, beeswax, brilliant dyes and a candle flame, participants will complete a simple three-color pysanka in class.

One Monday session, March 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $12 plus $4 materials. Instructor: Becky Utecht. GHS Room 109.

CROCHETING: You will need to bring one skein of 4-ply yarn that is 3-1/2 or 4 oz. and a “G” crochet hook to make a pillow the first night. Three Thursday sessions, 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning March 15. Cost: $12. Instructor: Maggie Hess. GHS FACE Room.

JEWELRY BASICS FOR BEGINNERS (Adults and children 8 and up accompanied by a parent): Learn how to use different types of wire, basic clasps and a variety of beads to string a matching set of necklace, earrings and bracelet. One Saturday session, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 24. Cost: $20 plus materials. Instructor: Janna Levings.

Grantsburg Elem. Library.

April BEGINNING DOG OBEDIENCE: A professional dog trainer will guide you through the basics: focus, come, sit, down and walk nice on a leash and possibly start the heeling exercise. Class size will be kept small for individual attention. Please bring with you to all of the classes: 1) your dog, 2) a flat nylon or leather collar, 3) a favorite toy and a sandwich bag of treats, half-full with cheese or summer sausage, cheap hot dogs, etc…try to avoid bringing biscuits if possible, 4) a long line, preferably 10 ft., no recoil leashes or halters will be needed. A 6-ft. leash will work if a long line is not available, 5) a positive attitude. Six Tuesday sessions, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning April 10. Cost: $50. Instructor: Mitch Keating.

Grantsburg Elementary Gym or outside.

BELLY DANCING (Drum Solo): We’ll start with basic dancing movements and progress into the challenging Middle-Eastern shimmies. Four Friday sessions, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning April 13. Cost: $28. Instructor: Rocio.

Grantsburg Elementary gym.

SOCIAL DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Learn simple steps and patterns for the Rumba, Cha Cha and Salsa. Four Friday sessions, 7:45 to 8:45 p.m., beginning April 13. Cost $5 per couple.

Instructor: Rocio.

Grantsburg Elementary gym.

May MAKE AND TAKE HANGING BASKETS: Bring your own clean containers and plant a wonderful hanging basket to have for the summer. One Thursday session, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., May 10. Cost: $12 plus some materials. Instructor: Grantsburg Master Gardeners.

GHS Shop.

Siren-Webster Community Education Pre-Ballet & Tap Dance For Kids (Quarter 3). Eight Tuesdays, Jan. 23 to March 13, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m., at the Siren High

School. Fee: $45. Preregistration required. Call Comm. Ed. Office at 715-349-7070.

Siren H.S. Gym: Mondays,

7:30-9 p.m. Siren VB begins Monday, Oct. 16;

Webster H.S. Gym: Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Webster VB begins Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Winter Hall Walking for Adults.

Siren and Webster High Schools: Weekdays 7-8 a.m.

Please check in with office staff in each building to get a school

pass to wear while you walk in the building.

Luck Community Education To register for classes, call Barb Kass at 715-472-2152, ext. 103, or WITC at 1-800-243-9482, ext.

4221 or visit the WITC Web site at http://www.witc.edu, click Adult Evening classes, Registration for Spring, 2007, locate the class and register online.

Stained Glass: Snowflake Monday, Feb. 12, 6 – 9 p.m. Fee: $18 with supply fee $9 per flake, plating is an additional $5 or so.

Insturctor: Peg Kuhl.

Spring Floral Watercolor with Gloria Adrian Mondays, March 5 – April 2 (no class March 19),

6:30 – 9 p.m. Class ID # 27006, Cat. # 42-815-408.

Fee $25.75/$4 seniors 62+.

Social Dance with Rosio Carlson March 6 – 27, 7 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $40 per couple.

Armchair Traveler: A Taste of Guatemala Thursday, March 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $5. Please preregister 472-2152, Ext. 103.

Ongoing classes: Chess Club Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m., in room 207. For information contact Lydia at rennicke@centurytel.net.

Judo Club Fridays, 6:30 p.m. in the wrestling room. For information contact Lydia at rennicke@centurytel.net.

Guitar Riffs at the Riff Factory Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. New classes start monthly! Fee: $45.

Dust off that guitar and learn some tunes at the Riff Factory in Luck. Luck Community Ed is partnering with the Riff Factory to offer group guitar lessons to new students at a special introductory rate. All materials supplied, bring your own guitar. To

register, call Barb Kass.

Reader’s group Feb. 12: “Cry the Beloved Country: March 19: “Saving Fish from Drowning” by Amy Tan April 23: “My Dog Tulip” by J.R. Ackerley and Elizabeth Marshall Readers meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Luck elementary media center.

New members are always welcome to this lively and informal discussion group. Please use the north entrance to the school.

For other dates and book titles, people with e-mail addresses

may send an e-mail to Sue Mattson at smattson@lakeland.ws, or call the Community Education Office.

Just a glimpse of what’s coming up: Photoshop (call for dates) Leaded, plated stained-glass basket, March 5.

Knitting: Felted Petal Hat with Audrey Anderson, March 5.

The Hows and Whys of Solar Energy, March 12.

Garden Critters Stained Glass, April 2.

Scroll Saw for Women, April.

Hanging Baskets, April 24.

Responsible Beverage Service, May 14.

Please watch for the February Luck School Newsletter and the Inter-County Leader for details Mark your calendar for Feb. 8 Community Education Scholarship Lasagna Dinner and Quilt Raffle (Luck –Frederic Doubleheader BB games).

St. Croix Falls Community Education Open adult volleyball league began Monday, Jan. 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Valley Christian School. Adults, 18 and over.

Cost is $3 per person or $5 per couple.

Braid a chair pad. Classes held at In the Wool at St. Croix Falls. $40 for wool/instructions and braiding supplies for an additional $26.25. Call 715-483-1433 to register.

Beginning rug hooking classes. Classes held at In the Wool at St. Croix Falls. Class fee $60 and includes instruction,

pattern and wool to complete project. Hook and hoop are extra. Call 715-483-1433 to register.

Color It Mine Ceramics classes. Be Mine – Feb. 8, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Grades 1 – 6. Cost $10.

Hoppin’ Good Time – March 8, 3:30 – 5 p.m., grades 1 – 6.

Cost: $13. Hoppin’ Good Time 2 – March 29, 3:30 – 5 p.m., grades 1-6. Cost $13. Adults Wet Green Ware, Feb. 15 for creating, Feb. 22 for glazing, 6 p.m. until done. Cost: $27. Classes held at Simpler Times Ceramics,

St. Croix Falls.

Open Basketball Gym. Every Wednesday from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School, $1.50 per week.

TaeKwonDo. Classes will be held at the St. Croix Falls High School, every Tuesday.

Grasshoppers I, 3:30-4:15 p.m., $20, beginners (white belts); Grasshoppers II, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m., $20, older white belts and orange belts; Grasshoppers III, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., $20, yellow belts and up; Ages 16 – 130, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., $20, adults.

Abstract Landscapes.

Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 – 9 p.m. for 4 sessions. Cost: $50 per student.

Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk – Not too late to get started! First – Third grade, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.; 4th – 6th grade 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., 7th & 8th grade 6 – 7 p.m., HS – adult, 7 – 8 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Elementary School.

St. Croix Valley Orchestra.

Practices at the St. Croix Falls High School band room. Rehearsals 7 – 9 p.m. Mondays.

Latchkey the place to be!

Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Students attending Dresser Elementary may ride the bus to the St. Croix Falls. Open 3:15 – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days for children in the St. Croix Falls School District. Cost is $4 per day, per first child and $3.50 per day for second child, $3 per day for every child thereafter per day.

Services are available on earlyrelease days and some in-service days. If the child is not picked up by 6 p.m. there will be a $2.50

We’re on the Web @ www.the-leader.net

penalty for each five minutes after that time for added expenses. Please call the elementary office at 715-483-9823, ext.

211.

Supervised Weight Room at the St. Croix Falls High School, 6:45 – 7:45 a.m. Monday – Friday; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursdays on student school days. Please call to preregister 715-483-9823, ext. 224.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Grantsburg Honor Roll

A Honor Roll Grade 9

Jessica Banks, Cody Crawford, Jessika Ilgen, Kelsey Lien, Ethan Prazak, John Schneider, Kallie Thoreson, Cody Tromberg, Aimee VanTatenhove, Sarah Wald, Emma Walker and Larissa Wilhelm.

Grade 10

Lydia Benge Briggs, Bradley Berner, Nicole Davis, Justine Diffee, Mitchell Evenson, Gretchen Hedlund, Jennifer Lisiecki, Nathan McConnell, Jessica Moyer, Tyler Myers, Kathleen Preissing, Kaitlin Unbehaun, Abbey Vaksdal and Tina Zimmermann.

Grade 11

Jennifer Anderson, Maarja Anderson, Ausha Arnold, Megan Branstad, Melissa Burton, Adam Dahl, Amanda Durand, Madison

Graves, Kevin Johnson, Vanessa Kleiss, Ashley Larson, Khrystyne Lindgren, Alison McKinley, Lukas Olson, Katty Peterson, Emily Prazak, Rebecca Radtke, Alyssa Ryan, Laura Skifstad and Donald Syring.

Grade 12

Lenora Benge Briggs, Mollie Bjelland, Aundrea Cutler, Paul Edling, David Faulhaber, Olivia Finch, Sarah Frommader, Lindsey Hedlund, Timothy Josephson, Miranda Kammeyer, Amy Lindh, Crystal Moris, Michael Myers, Tracey Nordrum, Rebecca Olson, Thomas Olson, Zachary Phillipps, Andrew Radtke and Cari Skifstad.

B Honor Roll Grade 9

Steven Alderton, Carinna Coy, Casey Crawford, Heather Davison, Austin Eskola,

Lindsey Fallstrom, Mitchell Frommader, Daniel Gaffney, David Gaffney, Allen Lindus, Cerenity Louis, Michelle Lund, Dylan Marohn, Christopher Olson, Joshua Phillipps, Lauren Romanowski, Michael Roper, Dustin Ryan, Lauren Shoebroek, Leah Ticknor, Rachel Tober and Matthew Wood.

Grade 10

Kaylynn Anderson, Kevin Berry, Alexander Casler, Benjamin Cole, Jonathan DeRocker, Shawn Downard, Bobbie Durand, Megan Finch, Connar Goetz, Tessa Hane, David Larsen, Thane Larson, Lauren Leonard, Keegan Marek, Jake Ryan, Lauren Stavne and Kristin Zastrow.

Grade 11

Allison Briggs, Sasha Chell, Zachary Corbin, Michael Corty, Nathan Dahlberg,

Michelle Davidsavor, Alysia Fehrman, Robert Hanson, Kirsten Ilgen, Chandra Krout, Anthony LaMere, Nicholas Larsen, Dominic Leibel, Cody Marek, Brandon Mogel, Alex Nelson, LaShawn Nohrenberg, Shawn Pavlik, Amanda Peterson, Michael Preissing, Jeanne Reis and Simone Workman.

Grade 12

Lauren Amundson, Alicia Byers, Ami Cunderla, Ashley Fallstrom, Cody Franklin, Ashley Goepfert, Amanda Huehn, Jade Johnson, James Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Brandon Kaiser, Tyler Larsen, Jamie Lund, Katelyn Mack, Senja Melin, Paul Nelson, Nicole Paquette, Sarina Rogers, Jeremy Simon, Nicole Simon, Shawn Solomonson, John Sullivan, Shawn Swanson, Tabitha VanDeusen and Jonathan Wick.

DECA students win at career development conference

ST. CROIX FALLS – Eight DECA students from St. Croix Falls High School competed at the District One Career Development Conference on Saturday, Jan. 20, at UW-Stout in Menomonie. There were over 600 students from 17 different high schools located throughout northwestern Wisconsin who competed at the conference.

Students who compete at the conference are required to take a free enterprise exam, a comprehensive marketing exam and perform two role-plays from different occupational series. Medals are awarded to the top students in each of the aforementioned areas, with trophies awarded to students with the highest overall scores in each occupational series.

Six out of the eight students from St. Croix received awards for their outstanding efforts at the conference, taking home a total of 16 awards. Nick Campbell: communications role play for food marketing; Emily Scheuermann: business management role play for quick serve restaurant; Jake Yunker: comprehensive marketing exam for automotive services and placing in the top six over-

all; Austin Whittenberger: comprehensive marketing exam for quick serve restaurant, free enterprise exam, business management role play, and placing third overall in the quick serve restaurant event, Erinn Bloomer: free enterprise exam, retail merchandising selling role play, comprehensive marketing exam for retail merchandising, and plac-

ing first overall in the retail merchandising event; and Kate Wright: free enterprise exam, the comprehensive marketing exam for apparel and accessories, promotions role play, and placing first overall in the apparel and accessories event. A congratulations also goes out to Kelsey Willow and Katie Standing for their performance at the competition.

Bloomer, Whittenberger and Wright will advance to the State Career Development Conference in Lake Geneva, March 13 through the 15. Good Luck!

DECA is a co-curricular, student-centered organization specifically designed to provide activities that will motivate students to learn marketing competencies that will prepare them to become skilled, employable workers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship, and marketing-related careers.

It is believed that competitive events are congruent with sound educational practices and enhance educational purposes. Therefore, DECA competitive events are learning activities designed to evaluate students’ development of essential competencies needed for entry and/or advancement in the field of marketing, management or entrepreneurship. The DECA Competency Based Competitive Events Program facilitates effective integration of DECA as an integral part of the total marketing education instructional program. - submitted

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

OBITUARIES Anna Ullom

Lynwood R. Andersen

Anna Ullom, Frederic, died Feb. 3, 2007. She was 103 years old.

Anna (Amelia Anna) was born Oct. 28, 1903, at Maple Lake, Minn., to Jozef and Anna Bosak. They moved to Frederic where they farmed. Anna was united in marriage to Elrie Ullom, Sr. Two children were born to this union: Elrie, Jr. and Mary. Anna loved the earth, farming, gardening and berry picking.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary; brothers, Charles, Fred, Joseph and William; and her son, Elrie.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Milltown Baptist Church with Pastor Marlon Mielke officiating.

The Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, was entrusted with arrangements.

Lynwood “Lyn” R. Andersen, age 60, Circle Pines, Minn., died unexpectedly Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007.

Lyn was born May 16, 1946, to Joseph and Minnie Andersen. Lyn served in the Army from Jan. 4, 1966, to Jan. 2, 1968.

Lyn married his high school sweetheart, Bette Strenke, on April 20, 1968. Some of Lyn’s favorite names to call Bette were “Miss Bette” and “Fred.” Lyn was CEO and president of Wissota Siding and Windows, Inc., a company co-owned with his son, Darin.

Lyn is survived by wife, Bette Andersen, Circle Pines, Minn.; son, Darin (Brenda Metz) Andersen, and grand dog, Cheyenne, Circle Pines, Minn.; son, Brad (Jessie) Andersen, and precious grandson, Mason, Somerset; sisters, Virginia (Lloyd) Nelson, Luck, Marlys Pedersen, Luck, Melva Jean (Weston) Plath, Hutchinson, Minn., and Sharon (Earl) Silbaugh, Little Canada, Minn.; our Danish family, Niels Ole and Annelisa Gade; and other family and friends.

He loved his Green Bay Packers (“No. 4 - one more year”) and the Wisconsin Badgers. Lyn enjoyed to travel in his motor home, The Bus. A few of his bus trips included traveling to Canada and Michigan (for his annual fishing trips), to Lambeau Field (the K-mart parking lot), and to Kansas City to the NASCAR race.

Lyn also loved to cook/grill with a little song and dance wearing his shorts. He also enjoyed putting puzzles together.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 5, at the Luck Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Hall officiating. Burial was in the Luck Village Cemetery in Luck.

The Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

A nun’s persistence inspires mission trip ST. CROIX FALLS – “When a nun bugs you about doing mission work, don’t give it a second thought,” observes Father Robert McMeekin of Holy Cross Orthodox Christian Church. Having just returned from Guatemala on a “mission of love” with his daughter, Jennifer, this local priest regrets his long delay in finally deciding to go. For the last five years, Mother Ivonne, a nun at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala City, has been visiting and working with the staff and children at St. Mary’s Summer Camp at Big Sandy Camp in McGregor, Minn. “We bring her up every year in order to have a consistent monastic presence with us,” Father Robert said, “It has had a tremendous impact on the spiritual climate of the camp.” It was at this camp that Father Robert first met Mother Ivonne and her persistent pleas began.

Father Robert tells the story this way, “There is a parable in the gospels about a widow who, by her constant complaining, wins the favor of an unjust judge.

After nearly five years of Mother Ivonne pleading with me to come down and be with the children, I finally relented and discovered the many blessings that God gives there.

For his part, Father Robert served a series of Masses in Spanish for the nuns and children as part of the Orthodox Epiphany which included blessing the Holy Water for the year, together with the facilities and the homes of the faithful who attend the chapel. In a monastic environment the services can be quite long, but according to Father Robert the children approach every one of them with eagerness and joy. While dad was busy every day at the chapel, Jennifer spent her time in the nursery and the infirmary assisting with the care of the babies and sick children.

Having received the orphanage from the government in 1996, the nuns of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity have created a loving and nurturing environment for the 100 teens, children and infants who live there. Most of the children, some with severe disabilities, were abandoned or given to the nuns because of the extreme poverty in this small Central American country. Led by Mother Inéz, the abbess of the monastery, the nuns give all the glory to God for their small successes, quick to point out the many miracles God has done among them. Miracles like six of the seven HIV-positive children they received who no longer have any trace of the disease. – submitted

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

OBITUARIES Ethel Grace Ormston

Roy H. Erickson

Louise Ann Wicklund

Ethel Grace Ormston died Feb. 1, 2007, at age 89.

Ethel Grace Ellstrom was born May 17, 1917, in Grantsburg. She lived nearly all her life in the Grantsburg area. She was born to Richard and Alice Anderson Ellstrom. Her parents emigrated from Sweden shortly before 1900. Ethel had five older sisters and a brother, a twin sister and two younger sisters.

She graduated from the Grettum Grade School in 1931, and from Grantsburg High School in 1935. She attended classes in nursing which were available at the Grantsburg Community Hospital. She completed her nurses training at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. She worked in hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.

After her return to Wisconsin, she worked as a nurse in various hospitals and for patients in their homes.

She married Cecil V. Ormston on Sept. 2, 1939, in St. Paul, Minn. In 1948 the couple moved back to the Grantsburg area, to a 60-acre farm. They had six children.

Ethel was a member of Trade Lake Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother Roy Ellstrom; sisters Myrtle Wallen, Doris Meath, Aida Wickoren, May Ancel, Ruth Devine and Inez Westrom and her daughter Edyth Grace.

She is survived by children Gary (Ann) of Cleveland, Okla., Clyde (Nancy) of Fort Worth, Texas, Cecile of Hammond, Kathy (Keith) Krantz of Stacy, Minn., and Jeff (Linda) of Grantsburg; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; twin sister Edythe Comstock and sister Eleanor Mason.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m., at the Wood River Cemetery.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Roy. H. Erickson, Rice Lake, died Jan. 31, 2006. He was 94 years old.

Roy was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 30, 1912, the son of Simon and Hulda Erickson. As a young child, he move with his family to a farm in Wood River Township in Burnett County. Upon finishing school, he worked on the farm until he went to Minneapolis, Minn., to clerk in a seed store. In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and spent most of his tour aboard the U.S.S. St. Louis in the South Pacific where they were engaged in many battles with the Japanese. Following his discharge in Nov. 1945, he returned to Minneapolis, Minn., and operated a seed store for a number of years.

In 1947, he married Eloise Swanberg at Grantsburg.

To this union, two children were born, Daniel and Patriciia. In 1955, the family moved from Minneapolis, Minn., to the farm where Roy grew up. He farmed in Wood River until they moved to Grantsburg in 1993 and Roy retired from farming in 1994.

After retirement he continued with his favorite hobby, raising flowers and gardening.

Following a stroke in 2003, they moved to Rice Lake, to be close to their children.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; son, Daniel (Denise); daughter, Patricia; granddaughters, Sarah and Mary Erickson; sister, Alphild Eliason of Mount Vernon, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Lorna Swanberg of Grantsburg and Veloise Swanberg of Minneapolis, Minn., and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl, Gunnard and Ivan; and sisters, Mildred and Mabel.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Louise Ann Wicklund, 92, of Webster, died on Jan. 27, at Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center at Siren.

Louise was born Nov. 13, 1914, at home on the family farm to Olaf and Martha Johnson. She graduated from the Webster High School in 1932. Louise married Frank Moll at Webster. The couple lived in Chicago, Ill. Frank died in 1947. She attended cosmetology school in Minneapolis, Minn. Louise opened her own beauty shop in Chicago. She married Paul Glass. The couple moved to Oaklawn, Ill. It was in this period of time that she closed her beauty shop in Chicago. Paul accidently died at home. After his death, she did factory work until retiring to Webster in 1979. Louise moved to Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center in Siren on Nov. 15, 1992 due to ill health. She married Leon Wicklund.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Frank Moll, Paul Glass and Leon K. Wicklund; brother, Harold Johnson; and daughter, Kathleen Pearson.

Louise is survived by her children, Paul (Annette) Glass of Minneapolis, Minn., Paula (Michael) Smith of Griffith, Ind., Patricia (Arthur) Price of Oaklawn, Ill., and Jeannette (Terry) Heim of Morris, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren; sister, Katherine Johnson of Webster; brothers, Donald (Marian) Johnson of Webster and Ewald Johnson of Ashland; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 2, at Grace United Methodist Church at Webster with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Casket bearers were Terry Heim, Arthur Price, Craig Johnson, Michael Smith, George Burford, Tracy Wildermoth, Scott Heim, Gene Dopkins and June Larson. Music was provided by organist Fran McBroom and soloist, Caroyl Long. Interment was at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERAL HOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

Larry E. Reese Larry E. Reese, age 64, of Webster, died on Jan. 30, 2007.

Larry was born on Oct. 5, 1942, in Webster, to Frank and Edna Reese. He grew up in Webster, attending Webster Schools. Larry was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

After his enlistment, he moved to St. Paul, Minn. He married the former Mary A. Sherette in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 13, 1970. Larry was employed by the Opus Corporation for over 30 years working as a heavy equipment operator. He retired in 2003 to Grand Forks, N.D. In 2006, Larry moved back to Webster after the death of Mary.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and brother, Frank.

Larry is survived by his children, Chad (Jennifer) Reese of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Joe (Amber) Reese of Shakopee, Minn.; one grandchild, Hayley Reese; brothers and sisters, Robert (Mary) Reese of Webster, Fred (Judy) Reese of Danbury, Donald Reese of Webster, Janet (Larry) Koch of Siren and Wanda (Mike) Fiddle of Webster; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster with Father Michael Tupa officiating. Burial will be taking place at the Calvary Cemetery beside his wife, Mary, in Grand Forks, N.D. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeal Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

F o l l o w t h e L e a d e r .

EDLING FUNERAL HOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

Carlie Stellrecht Carlie Stellrecht, longtime resident of the town of Rusk, died Feb. 5, 2007, in Spooner. She was 99 years old.

Services are pending at the Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be published at a later date.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

The Yo-Yo Effect Back in the early 1950s when I attended Frederic High School, we students enjoyed an assembly program that I’ll never forget. One of the world’s best yo-yo artists demonstrated his amazing expertise for us. He represented the Duncan Yo-Yo Company of Luck. Sally Bair There was nothing he couldn’t do with a yo-yo. He could flip it, draw it out, and make it dance. PERSPECTIVES Without fail, the yo-yo came back to him—as long as he held onto the string.

There’s a spiritual lesson in the yo-yo that has to do with prayer.

Sometimes, if we have a worry and ask God for help, we take it right back—just like drawing the yoyo back with its string—and keep worrying. The same applies with fear. And anger. If we’re upset with someone and ask God to remove our anger, we’re likely to take it right back. Especially if we’re tired, lonely, or vulnerable in some other way.

Besides worry, fear, and anger, there may be any number of other yo-yos in our lives—things we know are wrong and want help with, but are unwilling to give up. A grudge against someone. Vindictiveness.

Pride. Jealousy. Hatred. We can all add our own, I’m sure. Someone said that a good way to pray is to hold your hands open with palms up. Such a gesture signifies that we are releasing our feelings and concerns to God and will not take them back. It shows that we are giving up our yo-yos, humbly trusting that God will accept them. What a release that is! God wants us to live in joy and peace, not in the shackles of our negative, life-robbing feelings.

Faith is a gift from God. But in order to walk in that gift, we must consciously, willfully step out to receive it with an open hand. And that means not having so much as a finger tied to the string of our yo-yos.

Lord, you have promised that when we ask, it shall be done. Forgive us for doubting your Word. We don’t want to take back our yo-yos. Rather, we turn them over to you today, knowing that your way of dealing with them is so much better than ours. We put our trust in you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Covenant Players to appear at Wolf Creek, St. Croix Falls United Methodist church ST. CROIX FALLS – Covenant Players performers, Steven and Elaine Leroy, will appear during worship services at Wolf Creek and St. Croix Falls United Methodist churches on Sunday, Feb. 11. The duo also will present a love-oriented Valentine’s Day play during a potluck following the worship service in St. Croix Falls.

The Leroys have been actors with Covenant Players for more than 20 years, performing in eight countries and two languages. They currently live in Mason.

Covenant Players was formed in California in 1963 with the first performances of Christian Dynamics.

Worship at Wolf Creek is at 8:15 a.m. Worship at St. Croix Falls is at 10 a.m. – from UMC of St. Croix Falls and Wolf Creek

All Things

(1 Corinthians 14:37) “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge (Part 5 in a series) that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

(2 Thessalonians 2:15) “Therefore, brethren, By reasonable implication then, we can constand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have clude that the “faith” that “comes from hearing, been taught, whether by word, or our episand hearing by the word of God.” (Romans tle.” It was shown in the last article how 10:17), would also apply to the reading of Christ’s “All Authoritative Word” was transGarret God’s Word. mitted from God to His Son Christ, then to In the 2nd Epistle of Peter, chapter 1:3, Peter Derouin talks the apostles through the Holy Spirit and about the divine revelation that has been then through the apostles to all mankind. given to man; “According as his divine power THE Now in 2 Thessalonians we see an associahath given unto us all things that pertain unto tion between what the apostles were able to PREACHER’S life and godliness, through the knowledge of him tell people directly and what they wrote. that hath called us to glory and virtue:” Notice There are many other examples that show that Peter is telling us that God has made how God’s Word has been put down in available ALL that we need for our lives and writing for our benefit: our relationship with God. That means that after John wrote (in John 20:30-31); “And many other signs God’s Word was transmitted to the apostles, since truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are they would not always be alive to speak directly, they not written in this book: But these are written, that ye wrote it down for future generations, and what they might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and wrote would include “all the things” that we need to that believing ye might have life through his name.” He know. So, by learning what is contained in the scripalso made similar comments in 1 John 2:1; “My little tures, we have access to “all things” that are needed children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.” for our salvation.

In fact he made comments like this a total of 10 times “Blessed is he that readeth… and keep those things in this epistle (see 1 John 2:7,8,12,13,14,21,26; 5:13:). which are written therein…” (Revelation 1:3). Next John was not the only one to record that God’s com- week we will discuss further how ALL these things mandments for us have been written down for our that have been written are also ALL Sufficient for our benefit. needs.

(Luke 1:3) “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect If readers have questions or simply wish to know understanding of all things from the very first, to write more about the Church of Christ, we invite you to call unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 (Ephesians 3:3-4) “How that by revelation he made known W. Birch St. in Webster. Office hours are Tuesdays unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, through Fridays 9 a.m.-noon. Sunday Bible class beWhereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowl- gins at 9:30 a.m., Worship is at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesedge in the mystery of Christ)” day evening class is at 7 p.m.

PEN

Frederic Area Ministerial Association to observe National Day of Prayer FREDERIC - The Frederic Area Ministerial Association would like to announce its plans to observe the 56th-Annual National Day of Prayer, which will take place Thursday, May 3. Coinciding with the National Day of Prayer is our own Gov. Doyle’s declaration of the Wisconsin Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The National Day of Prayer seeks to foster unity within the Christian Church by encouraging and emphasizing prayer, regardless of denomination, creed, current issues and positions.

The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “America, Unite in Prayer” and is based on the verse from II Chronicles 7:14 which states: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The National Day of Prayer observance will be held in lieu of the Word Day of Prayer. Additional details on National Day of Prayer activities will be made available in early spring. - submitted

Youth serve God and congregation at Bethany

Ladies morning retreat set FREDERIC - Frederic Evangelical Free Church would warmly welcome all women to their Ladies Morning Retreat to be held on Friday, Feb. 16.

They will be talking about Books that Nourish Our Souls. They will discuss children’s books, adult fiction, nonfiction and even audio books. There is a time for browsing, snacking and special activities planned for child care that morning. For further information, please call the church at 327-8767. They hope to see you there.

- from FEFC

Peace Lutheran Church offers Lenten services

DRESSER – Beginning, with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, and continuing each Wednesday throughout Lent, Peace is inviting you to join them for soup supper at 5:30 p.m., Lenten crafts offered for children at 6 p.m., and worship services at 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 5, will also include soup supper at 5:30 and worship at 7 p.m.

During Lent this year, we will be exploring the seven dimensions of worship. The seven dimensions themselves are being kept a secret and will be revealed one at a time, but each of them has a specific aspect of worship which is so central to our life as the people of God. A Choir Cantata will be presented at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship service on Palm Sunday, April 1. Good Friday worship is held at noon. Easter worship services, April 8, are 6:30, 8:30 and 11 a.m. All are welcome! - submitted

The youth at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren are active and regularly share their talent with the congregation. (L to R): Ben Clasen, grade 10, and Jamie Kopecky, grade 11, worked the sound board during Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. worship service Feb. 4. Other young people played in the bell choir that morning, and still others gathered last Wednesday to construct beaded cross necklaces, valentine massages and a lasagna meal during an activity night with adult faith partners. Sunday’s worship service focused on Luke 5:10, “… Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” Bethany holds worship services every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with fellowship activities for all ages on Wednesday evenings. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 715-349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

CHURCH Nagging wife and overworked husband equal troubled marriage Q: What do you consider to be the greatest threat to the stability of families today?

DR. DOBSON: It would be a phenomenon that every marriage counselor deals with regularly. The scenario involves a vulnerable woman who depends on her husband to meet her emotional needs, and a workaholic man who has little time for family responsibilities. Year after year she reaches for him and finds he’s not there. She nags, complains, cries and attacks him for his failures – to no avail.

He is carrying the load of three men in his business or profession and can’t figure out how to keep that enterprise going while providing what his wife needs.

As time goes by, she becomes increasingly angry, which drives him even further into his workaday world. He is respected and successful there. And thereafter he is even less accessible to her.

Then one day, to her husband’s shock, this woman reaches a breaking point and either leaves him for someone else or files for divorce. It is a decision she may live to regret and one that often devastates her children although by then, the marriage is longgone.

It’s such a preventable disaster, but one that millions of other families will be victimized by in coming years.

••• Q: Are there productive ways older people can remain mentally alert as their bodies age? Is mental decline inevitable in the golden years?

DR. DOBSON: If you live long enough, there will be

some loss of intellectual acuity. There is, however, much that a person can do to postpone that deterioration. An article in Family Circle magazine suggested five ways to maintain healthy minds through the aging process.

The first rule is to “use it or lose it.” The human brain isn’t like a calculator that you can plug in and leave idle for a year and find it working just as well when we return. It must have constant use and regular input of sensory information.

Second, proper brain function is dependent on a balanced diet with ample supplies of all the essential nutrients.

Third is exercise. Every organ of the body benefits from physical activity, including the package of neural matter with which we think.

Fourth is regular physical examinations and good health care. Untreated diseases can affect us physically and mentally.

Finally, the fifth way to keep our brains healthy is by having an active social life. Being sick, isolated and alone is a prescription for rapid mental decline. Unfortunately, many older citizens are unable to implement these five suggestions for one reason or another.

Some are alone and have no one to talk to. Others lack the resources for good medical care and healthy nutrition.

That’s why those in the younger generation owe today’s seniors their time and attention. They were cared for when they were frail and helpless. Now it’s their turn to return the favor.

•••

Q: Our 14-year-old recently came to my husband and me to say, “I’m pregnant.” Nothing has ever upset us more than hearing those words. What should our attitude toward her be now?

DR. DOBSON: Responding to a teenage pregnancy is one of the most difficult trials parents are ever asked to face. When the news breaks, it’s reasonable to feel anger at the girl who has brought this humiliation and pain into her life. How dare this kid do something so stupid and hurtful to herself and the entire family!

Once you have caught your breath, however, a more rational and loving response is appropriate. This is no time for recrimination. Your daughter needs your understanding and wisdom now more than ever. She’ll face many important decisions in the next few months, and you can’t afford to alienate yourselves from her.

If you can summon a measure of strength and love at this stressful time, you should be able to create the bond that often develops between those who have survived a crisis together.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from “The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide“ and “Bringing Up Boys,” both published by Tyndale House.

Brought to you by:

Frederic Evangelical Free Church

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

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FEBRUARY 7, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Scott shares enthusiasm for art

by Sherill Summer SIREN - Many in the Siren area know Thom Scott from the 32 years he worked in the Siren School District. He was the elementary principal for six of those years and for 26 years he taught K-12 art.

Teaching art is a common way for people who love art both to make a living and to participate in the art field. Scott was able to share his enthusiasm for art with the kids he taught, something he always enjoyed. He also gained considerable experience motivating young artists, talking about the qualities in artwork and arranging shows. Even though Scott

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Artist e

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is now retired from the school district, he is still motivating artists, arranging shows and talking about qualities in art.

In general, Scott continues to share his enthusiasm for art with others. Some habits are hard to change.

Upon retiring, Scott used his talent and experience arranging art in his Crooked Creek Studio and Gallery in Siren to display his own work, his wife, Laurel’s, work and the work of other local artists.

The gallery was a place for Scott to create opportunities for local artists and to raise the public’s awareness of local art. Scott now runs the Crooked Creek Studio and Gallery out of his home as well as arranging the art in the gallery at Crooked

Thom Scott in his art studio. – Photos by Sherill Summer

Lake that is a part of North Winds Arts, also in Siren.

Besides creating opportunities for artists, Scott is concerned with supporting artists in other ways. Scott believes that an artist must continually create art if their art is to develop, but creating art can be difficult without the inspiration of other artists and a time and place to receive feedback on their art. Scott cofounded the Burnett Area Arts Group, or BAAG, with Jenny Goalen in 2004 to provide a way for local artists to interact and support each other.

With all that Scottt does to promote and encourage local artists, you would think that he would have no time to create his own art. Not so. Scott creates a steady output of copper and silver jewelry. He creates paintings, and he is also a printmaker. Scott creates a wide variThis silkscreen titled “Dessert #1” ety of art and is influenced by a wide vashows pop-art influences. riety of artists and styles, but pop,

impressionism, and the styles that evolved out of impressionism, usually called post-impressionism are all clues to understanding his art.

Pop artists exploited everyday objects as a form of expression. For example, many people are familiar with Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s soup labels. Scott has a more refined spirit than Andy Warhol had, so Scott explores fine desserts and fresh vegetables rather than processed food in a can. Still, like Andy Warhol, it is our attitude towards these subjects that Scott wants us to keep in mind when looking at his art.

Impressionist artists were interested in the scientific qualities of color and light and attempted to express those qualities

in a painting. Often impressionist artists did not use black, instead using a combination of dark colors for shadows and other dark areas in painting. Post-impressionism artists often used bright colors to express emotion and often outlined shapes to flatten the pictoral space. If you look at Scott’s recent paintings, you can see these impressionist and post-impressionist influences.

If you want to know more about art in general, talking with Thom Scott is a great place to start.

Scott’s work can be found at the gallery at Crooked Lake in North Winds Arts and The Crooked Creek Studio and Gallery out of his home.

An acrylic painting titled “Table of Vegetables” can be seen at North Wind Arts.

Examples of jewelry made by Thom Scott.

Bullying goes online SUPERIOR - Schools have a new breed of online predators to watch out for: cyber-bullies. The school district in Superior is taking steps to stop the grief being caused by the online offenders.

Pushing and shoving in the halls may be typical of some school bullies, but Superior Middle School Principal Rick Flaherty says complaints from students about bullying aren’t taking place at

school, they’re happening online.

Flaherty says kids are harassing each other via MySpace, so they’ve blocked out the site at school. He says kids are making online statements like “I’m mad at you,” “you need to watch your back,” “we’re going to get you,” just general threats. He says some of the same things they may have said face-to-face at one point, but the students are now finding

a different medium to share that information.

Some students dismiss the comments as harmless and similar to what one could hear from students in any shopping mall. Yet, Superior High School counselor Scott Bruce says some students take it seriously. He says the comments could start rumors and he says he’s had kids in tears in his office be-

cause of material circulating among students that originated on MySpace.

A PTA meeting is scheduled to be held at the Superior Middle School to provide information to parents about the Web site. – Wisconsin Public Radio, Danielle Kaeding

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Coming events

FEBRUARY THURS.-FR.I /8-9 Frederic

Coming event items are published as a public service.

Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue.

• Valentine Dinner, 5:30 social hour, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:45 p.m. program, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Reservations required, 715-327-8012.

• Library Book and Bale Sale.

THURSDAY/8 Frederic

Siren

• 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the center.

• Wild River Habitat for Humanity’s thirdannual Valentine’s Dinner Dance, 5:30 p.m., happy hour; 6 p.m., dinner; 7-9:30 p.m., dance, at the Lodge on Crooked Lake.

Call 715-349-7477 or 715-463-2894 for more info.

Luck

• Lasagna Supper and Quilt Raffle, 5-7:30 p.m. at the cafeteria before the Luck-Frederic doubleheader basketball game.

FRI.-SAT./9 & 10 Frederic

THURSDAY/15

• EIO Snoriders Poker Run and Meat Raffle. Starts Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at noon. See local establishments for information.

Cushing

• S.E.L. Historical Society meeting, 5:45, program 7 p.m., with mystery speaker.

FRIDAY/9

Frederic

• ALPHA Celebration Dinner and Video, 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Forest Center. For info contact Pastor Maggie at 715-825-3559.

Balsam Lake

• Poco Penners meet, 2 p.m., at the government center, county board rm. For more info., 715-483-9738 or 715-269-5456.

• 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the center.

Frederic

Luck

• NW Regional Writers meet, 1 p.m. at the Sunrise Apts. Assignment: write on a Valentine Memory.

• American Legion #255 & Auxiliary meeting, 7 p.m. at the village hall.

Rice Lake

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Everyone welcome.

Luck

• 48th-annual Queen Pageant and coronation at the Luck School Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

SAT. - SUN./ 10 & 11

• NW Wisconsin Regional Inventors & Entrepreneurship Club meets, 6 p.m., registration, 6:30 p.m., product set up, 7 p.m., meeting, at WITC, rm. 241-243. Call Courtney Valleskey, Madison Frazee and Paige Bird have fun on the Webster El- 715-637-6871 for more info.

ementary playground. All three are in Mrs. Herman’s second-grade class. – Photo

by Sherill Summer.

Cameron

• Luck Lions Club Annual Breakfast at the Luck School, 7 - 11 a.m.

SATURDAY/10 Amery

• 500 card party, 2 p.m. at United VFW Post 6856. All proceeds go to cancer aid and research fund.

Centuria

• Deer Lake Classic Ice-Fishing Tournament, noon-3 p.m. Call 715-294-5789 for more info.

• 2007 Home Show, Sat, 9-5 and Sun., 10-4, at the high school. Call 715-736-4622 for more info.

• Love, Sweet Love! 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Favorite love poems & stories by members of the NL Theater Guild.

• Benefit for David Vann, 1-6 p.m. at Ernie’s Place. There will be lunch, hourly raffles and a silent auction.

Milltown

St. Croix Falls

• Candlelight Night at the Park, at Interstate Park, 6 - 9 p.m.

Unity

Frederic

• Senior Center noon potluck lunch, bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. for cards, pool or fellowship.

Glenwood City

• Harmony Hills Floral and Garden Center craft show. 866-514-5230 or 715-565-3230.

Grantsburg

• 14th-annual American Legion Ice-Fishing Contest on Big Wood Lake, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Luck

• Luck Winter Carnival. Snowshoe race registration - 8 a.m.; Kiddie snowman contest - all day until 2:30 p.m.; 2nd-annual vintage radar runs, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; medallion hunt begins 10 a.m.; sawdust pile - 10:30 a.m.; volleyball in the snow - 11 a.m.

• Winter Expo & Craft Fair at Hog Wild BBQ & Grill, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call 715-472-4884 for more info.

• 41st-annual Grand Marshal Reception at the Luck Village Hall, 5 - 6 p.m.

• Kiddie Parade, 7 p.m.; 10th-annual Torchlight Parade, 7 p.m.

• Festival of Nations, hosted by the Girl Scouts from 2-4 p.m. at the school.

Webb Lake

• Antique Snowmobile Rally, 715-259-3522 for more info.

Lewis

• All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church. Sponsored by the Bible study group.

Luck

Balsam Lake

Cumberland

• 24th-annual Wisconsin State Ice-Fishing Tournament on Beaver Dam Lake, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rice Lake

• 15th-annual Barrens Chicken BBQ and snowmobile raffle, noon - 4 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Hymn Sing - Her Sing, 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Favorite audience sing-along hymns accompanied by NL Chamber Orchestra and the NL pipe-organ.

• Community brunch, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Lutheran Church.

• Spaghetti dinner benefit for Gordy & Jeannine Andren, at the American Legion Hall. Dinner, noon-4 p.m.; bake sale, noon-?; auction, 4 p.m.

MONDAY/12 Frederic

West Denmark

• Polk County Sportsmen’s Club’s 46th- annual Booya & raffle, serving 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the American Legion Post 278.

SAT.-SUN./17 & 18

Milltown

• Polk County Community Forum, 7-9 p.m., at municipal building. Call 715-485-8600 for more info.

SUNDAY/11

• Fish Fry, 4:30 p.m.-?, at the United VFW.

• Rod & Gun Club Gun Show, at UW gym.

Sat. 8:30-5, Sun. 8:30- 3.

Webster

• Cynthia Rintala concert, 7 p.m. at the parish hall.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• Ice-Fishing Contest at Big Butternut Lake, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Bonfire and fireworks at the Big Butternut boat landing, beginning at 4 p.m.

• Spades are played, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• Valentine Party, noon-3:30 p.m. at the community center, with food, bingo and cards.

Sponsored by the Lioness Club.

FRIDAY/16

Luck

TUESDAY/13 Dresser

• Chronic Illness/Disability Support Group meets, 6:30 p.m., at Peace Lutheran Church.

Speaker on Self-Talk – How to change negative Self-Talk into positive ideas. Call 715-7552515 for more info.

WEDNESDAY/14 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

SATURDAY/17 A&H

Amery

Balsam Lake

• “Love Those Used Book Sales,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the library.

Centuria

• New-home-builidng seminar, 1-2:30 p.m. at 510 Hwy. 35 Model Home. Call 715-646-9347 to preregister.

Clam Falls

• Winter Carnival, snow volleball tournament beginning at noon; medallion hunt starts at 11 a.m.

Dresser

• Peace Lutheran Church Spaghetti Supper, 5-7 p.m.

Frederic

• Senior Center noon potluck lunch, bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. for cards, pool or fellowship. Birthday cake & ice cream served at 3 p.m.

• Spades are played, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

New business at the crossroads Crossroads Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping opened last summer

by Wayne M. Anderson GRANTSBURG – Attention taxpayers!

Your phone is ringing with the sound of a telephone-tax refund.

For filing this year “there’s a telephone excise tax refund,” said Deb Christian, new business owner of Crossroads Tax Preparation & Bookkeeping Service.

“Who would have known?”

All taxpayers are entitled to this refund. And what is especially nice is it’s available to the elderly who have not filed an income-tax return in years. Even if these seniors do not file yearly, this

year all they have to do is file a 1040T Form to get this refund. It’s simple, said Christian. And it could mean $30 to $40 for them.

Last summer Christian opened her new home business, located at the crossroads of Hwys. 87 and 48. She was with a national tax preparation and bookkeeping firm for more than 10 years.

Today she is following her dream of helping people and businesses with their taxes and bookkeeping needs in a “friendly, noncorporate atmosphere,” she said. Her goal is to save clients money and not charge an arm and a leg doing it.

For more tax tips and information call Crossroads Tax Preparation & Bookkeeping Service at 715-488-2600.

Deb Christian is the owner of Crossroads Tax Preparation & Bookkeeping Service. — Photo by Wayne Anderson